On Monday, Austin ISD's Board of Trustees approved resolutions to honor two Austin legends who championed for education—Sam Z. Coronado and Rev. Edward “Ed” Jackson. 

Sam Z. Coronado

Coronado, an artist and cultural leader who passed away Nov. 11 at the age of 67, was recognized for helping others achieve their dreams through his educational leadership and mentorship. Coronado co-founded the Chicano Art Students Association at The University of Texas at Austin and was awarded the university’s Community Leadership Circle Award. Coronado also co-founded Austin’s Mexic-Arte Museum to share the art and culture of Mexico with Texas.

Additionally, Coronado used his own work as an artist to help others. He founded the Serie Project, a workshop where underrepresented artists could benefit from collaboration and learn the serigraphy technique, and he taught others while working as an instructor at Austin Community College. 

In horning Coronado, trustees praised him for his “service to the Austin community and for his many contributions that touched so many lives in such positive and meaningful ways.”

Rev. Edward “Ed” Jackson

In a resolution honoring Jackson, trustees said the Austin community lost one of its “greatest treasures” when Jackson passed away Oct. 31 at the age of 72. 

Jackson was recognized for his service to the youth and families in Austin. He served as an Airman in the U.S. Air Force, worked as a taxman and later became a minister at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Additionally, Jackson and his wife, Patt, led the Prison Ministry Program that provides numerous preventative initiatives and re-entry resources to youth and adults involved in the criminal justice system.     

The resolution approved by trustees recognizes him for “his service to the AISD community, its students and families, and for his many contributions that touched so many lives in such positive and meaningful ways.”