My Story: Danielle Jackson
Written by Danielle Jackson
I am Dannielle Jackson and I was born in Birmingham Alabama in 1983. I am the youngest of three brothers. I was raised by my parents to be strong, confident, and positive. I am still an avid fan of sports. My enthusiasm and energy for basketball was huge. I’m proud to say that I played basketball for Huffman High School, University of Alabama in Birmingham, and Troy University.
My Educational career commenced with a Major in Criminal Justice, a Minor in Psychology from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and Troy University, also in Alabama. My employment history is an area in my life where I was able to build and learn about the world of work and gain my life experiences. I often reflect and look back and see where I started from and where I am now in my life’s journey.
Being a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, helped balance me immensely. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated was founded in 1913 by 22 phenomenal trendsetters who saw no limit to their vision for sisterhood, scholarship and service. My founders stepped out in FAITH to march with the suffragettes and took a stand for social justice which was their first public act. I would say that I remain very much in the forefront to continue on with the vision as a voice to help those in need. During the first three years of college I was a youth minister at New Testament Missionary Baptist Church.
In my senior year of college I started a career in law enforcement working nine years as a Sheriff's Deputy. I became a Federal Law Enforcement Officer in 2014. I have served in several States being Vermont, Texas, Georgia, and I am now currently serving in Huntsville Alabama.
My Introduction to motherhood was in 2009 when I gave birth to my precious Son Caleb. I believe the most important thing a person can receive for your baby is a village mixed with Godly family and friends. I believe a Village will keep you afloat, they will carry you when you are tired, feed you when you are starving, and they will lift you up when you feel faint. Watching Caleb grow is an amazing thing. I am his world and he is mine.
The Lord told me two times to go live on social media and share my experience of the traffic stop. I am used to being racially profiled while out of uniform, however, I wasn’t prepared to be traffic stopped whilst in uniform and whilst on duty. I was wrongly humiliated, falsely accused, unfairly challenged, and slandered and through this distressing event I am still undergoing an overwhelming amount of stress and trauma.
My faith is strong and through this testing time, my Faith has enabled me, to turn a negative situation into a positive mindset. I received reassurance from Proverbs 3 verse 5 to 6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I am so glad that I was obedient to God in following his instructions, leaning on his expert care and protection, and trusting him to direct my path to share my experience. By doing this, I can now see new blessings every day. I know that without a doubt that I can only base my principles on Romans Chapter 12:12 and 21; “Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer." "Do not let yourselves be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good." My belief that evil will be conquered and is being overcome now is why I say "Change starts within. Change your Mind. Change your Heart. Change along with Positivity equals Progression."
I’d like to acknowledge that I have received so many offers of friendship and Prayers, from the community, church, and friends worldwide.
Through my traffic stop experience, I have been overjoyed by the support from those from all around the world and those who decided to stand with me. All of the love and support shown has allowed me to reach and teach all ages and stages on how to conduct oneself and survive police harassment and brutality, locally and globally.
I have also met some of my new friends on my social media page, and it’s a beautiful thing, and through my story, they share with me how inspired, confident and empowered they now feel to make a stand. I have encouraged many to speak out and to have that determination and to approach their injustices that they have also experienced.
It’s an honour for me to help inform and educate those who have no or very little awareness on knowing ones rights. Just to list a few opportunities for me to be able to Implement and illustrate good practice by attending/delivering:
An interview on WVTM 13 News
Radio station interviews, role play
Racially motivated traffic stop scenarios
Racial profiling experiences do’s and don’t
1-1 meetings and meeting with groups in various settings
I have also hosted Motivational Monday’s and Wisdom Wednesday question and answers.
I have more radio station interviews planned, and will be meeting with the churches to share my testimony.
There’s so much more in the pipeline, and it’s really exciting to see how so much positivity and goodness has come out of my devastating experience.
As you can imagine, my life is very busy and I’m willing and ready to be used where ever there’s a need to educate, inspire people, and do everything I can to remove the fear of being traffic stopped.
I’m so grateful for my family who have stood firmly by me and my friend Crystal of so many years, who helped me through such a challenging time, and who is actively managing the administration, booking appointments, and keeping me organised.
I honour my relationship with God by using the gifts and ability to help make our world a better, safer place for our families and our communities.