Where the Young Thundering Herd and the Buckeyes Meet

On Good Friday 2019, I met up with Mr. William “Mickey” Jackson at his home in the outskirts of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Jackson is part of the illustrious group of African-Americans from West Virginia who will be featured in my upcoming photo essay book. His accomplishments given the tragedies he faced throughout his life are nothing short of amazing! He possesses a story that will surely inspire you to keep fighting no matter how many times you get knocked down.

While at his home, we discussed many of the events that took place in his life, and I listened intently as he talked in more detail about his story that he had shared in a previous interview. As I sat in his office, I couldn’t help but notice some of what was extremely important to him. His diehard love for the two Universities that played a huge part in his career, Marshall University and Ohio State University. As I set up my gear to take his photo, I smiled to myself as I watched him laugh about a happy moment in his life. There he was, a coach portrayed in the movie, “We are Marshall,” all suited up in his Marshall University attire. I could definitely see the pride he had with being a part of the Young Thundering Herd.

This day was full of steady downpours, but the rain did not at all damper the moment. I could feel the excitement in all of us as we were about to change locations to take his portraits at the Woody Hayes Athletic Facility on the campus of The Ohio State University. As I packed my photo gear, I noticed that as Mr. Jackson stood before me again, he had changed his clothing to match the school where he had coached the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner. I couldn’t wait to get to the facility to take these portraits!  Although weather and traffic gave us a bit of a delay, it didn’t matter. We were on our way!

To me, there is no doubt in my mind how much Ohio State football means to Mr. Jackson! If you doubt, just check out this photo!