Marty Jackson began working with the Danville Chapter of Virginia Organizing in 2013. As a former felon, Marty understands the issues that many people face when trying to re-enter society. Marty believes Virginia Organizing’s focus on people who are marginalized in their communities being empowered to raise their own voices is important. 

“I love that Virginia Organizing is so focused on the community and letting all people in the community speak out and be their own advocates,” said Marty. “I love that the voices of the underprivileged are heard!”

Marty has most recently been active through phone banking, organizing a prayer vigil for Medicaid expansion, canvassing, and even fundraising for Virginia Organizing by asking his friends and co-workers for donations. His passion is restoration of civil rights and he is currently focused on the “Ban the Box” initiative that would remove the question of felony convictions on employment applications in Danville. 

“I know so many people who are just trying to get their lives back together after prison and reporting their felony conviction on an application prevents them from even getting an interview,” said Marty. “A lot of times, people resort back to criminal activity just because they can’t find a job.”

Thank you, Marty, for all your hard work to make Virginia a more just place to live!