A Champion of Forestry
How a Lifelong Friendship Shaped State Rep. Derrick Jackson
By Rachel Wallenstein
Spring 2020
Rep. Derrick Jackson and Alex Singleton
Spring 2020
Rep. Derrick Jackson and Alex Singleton
At first glance, Georgia State Representative Derrick Jackson and International Paper Fiber Specialist Alex Singleton don’t have much in common with each other. Singleton is a self-proclaimed “outdoor dude” who grew up in rural South Carolina. Jackson grew up in New York City, where hunting is a rather uncommon pursuit. Yet, as different as these two men may be, they have known each other for 26 years. Their wives were childhood best-friends-turned-sorority-sisters, leading Jackson and Singleton to become good friends.
The two friends had a chance to catch up at the 2020 Forestry Day at the Georgia Capitol in February. Sitting in a board room across the street from the Capitol building, they didn’t miss a beat, laughing and finishing each other’s sentences.
Jackson explained how he became interested in forestry as a result of his friendship with Singleton, saying, “I knew absolutely nothing about forestry until I met Alex. Over the years, I discovered that I took forestry and all that it provides for granted. I suppose it is not unusual for someone who grew up in a city full of skyscrapers.“ Rep. Jackson added that what he enjoyed most about Singleton when they met decades ago was exactly this different perspective of the natural world — one which clearly was in stark contrast from his youth in New York City. “Alex’s passion for working forests rubbed off on me,” Jackson continued, “and now, as an elected official, I have a strong appreciation for forestry, too.”
The two friends had a chance to catch up at the 2020 Forestry Day at the Georgia Capitol in February. Sitting in a board room across the street from the Capitol building, they didn’t miss a beat, laughing and finishing each other’s sentences.
Jackson explained how he became interested in forestry as a result of his friendship with Singleton, saying, “I knew absolutely nothing about forestry until I met Alex. Over the years, I discovered that I took forestry and all that it provides for granted. I suppose it is not unusual for someone who grew up in a city full of skyscrapers.“ Rep. Jackson added that what he enjoyed most about Singleton when they met decades ago was exactly this different perspective of the natural world — one which clearly was in stark contrast from his youth in New York City. “Alex’s passion for working forests rubbed off on me,” Jackson continued, “and now, as an elected official, I have a strong appreciation for forestry, too.”
“Legislators and children alike need to be better informed on one of Georgia’s largest and most important industries. We have to be intentional about educating Georgia’s citizens.”— Rep. Derrick Jackson
After a career in the United States Marines and as a global executive at IBM, Jackson pursued his patriotic passion for public service and was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives to represent District 64, a largely urban and suburban district stretching from the Atlanta Airport to Peachtree City.
Jackson attributes his ability to be a champion of forestry in Georgia’s House of Representatives to the decades of learning about forestry that he gained from his friendship with Singleton and the important connections he made with the members, staff and leadership of the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA). Jackson remarks that other legislators are constantly surprised to hear him advocating for forestry. “I have found myself in a room in the Capitol, talking about forestry, and people are like ‘What? What do you know about forestry?! Did you grow up in the woods?’ And I say, ‘No, but I have a real good friend who keeps me educated.’”
Jackson attributes his ability to be a champion of forestry in Georgia’s House of Representatives to the decades of learning about forestry that he gained from his friendship with Singleton and the important connections he made with the members, staff and leadership of the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA). Jackson remarks that other legislators are constantly surprised to hear him advocating for forestry. “I have found myself in a room in the Capitol, talking about forestry, and people are like ‘What? What do you know about forestry?! Did you grow up in the woods?’ And I say, ‘No, but I have a real good friend who keeps me educated.’”
Connecting Urban Constituents to Forestry
Although Rep. Jackson grew up in New York City, his family roots are in Burke County; his family line in Georgia goes back to the 1800s. Singleton feels that one of the most important things he’s been able to share with Rep. Jackson is the connection that African American families from big cities like New York, Los Angeles, Raleigh, Chicago and others have with the rural South. It is precisely this connection, Singleton explains, that helps people living in urban areas see the importance of natural resources — to see “trees” and “woods” as sustainable economic opportunities.
Throughout his career, Singleton emphasized, he has tried to shed light on this essential connection. Through Jackson’s role in government, Singleton wants lawmakers to see the impact of their legislation on the citizens of Georgia, who depend on natural resources for their paycheck.
Rep. Jackson’s career in Georgia’s legislature has been marked by h is ability to effectively connect his urban constituents to the forestry community and its issues. His focus has been on the connected balance between economic health of the land and the environmental sustainability of the land. “We need to think about how to grow a state, which includes economic development, and we also need to make sure it’s balanced for the next generation,” Jackson said.
Jackson is highly supportive of the education programs that the Georgia Forestry Foundation, Georgia Public Broadcasting, FFA and 4-H programs provide in Georgia as they are helping to prepare the next generation to become “stewards of the land.” Singleton has encouraged this approach, pointing out that forestry is a STEM subject.
“State government can play a role in these curriculum improvements,” Jackson said. “Legislators and children alike need to be better informed on one of Georgia’s largest and most important industries. We have to be intentional about educating Georgia’s citizens,” he explained, citing major events like Super Bowl LIII, which Atlanta hosted in 2019, as having been an ideal opportunity to highlight Georgia’s $36.3 billion forestry industry and educate the public. Singleton pointed out that Jackson’s comment about the Super Bowl is a “diverse thought” that helps to build important bridges between urban and rural communities and build a climate of trust among all Georgians.
Jackson strongly believes cultivating diverse relationships will build a “pipeline of new leaders across Georgia that will support the future of forestry in our state.”
Although Rep. Jackson grew up in New York City, his family roots are in Burke County; his family line in Georgia goes back to the 1800s. Singleton feels that one of the most important things he’s been able to share with Rep. Jackson is the connection that African American families from big cities like New York, Los Angeles, Raleigh, Chicago and others have with the rural South. It is precisely this connection, Singleton explains, that helps people living in urban areas see the importance of natural resources — to see “trees” and “woods” as sustainable economic opportunities.
Throughout his career, Singleton emphasized, he has tried to shed light on this essential connection. Through Jackson’s role in government, Singleton wants lawmakers to see the impact of their legislation on the citizens of Georgia, who depend on natural resources for their paycheck.
Rep. Jackson’s career in Georgia’s legislature has been marked by h is ability to effectively connect his urban constituents to the forestry community and its issues. His focus has been on the connected balance between economic health of the land and the environmental sustainability of the land. “We need to think about how to grow a state, which includes economic development, and we also need to make sure it’s balanced for the next generation,” Jackson said.
Jackson is highly supportive of the education programs that the Georgia Forestry Foundation, Georgia Public Broadcasting, FFA and 4-H programs provide in Georgia as they are helping to prepare the next generation to become “stewards of the land.” Singleton has encouraged this approach, pointing out that forestry is a STEM subject.
“State government can play a role in these curriculum improvements,” Jackson said. “Legislators and children alike need to be better informed on one of Georgia’s largest and most important industries. We have to be intentional about educating Georgia’s citizens,” he explained, citing major events like Super Bowl LIII, which Atlanta hosted in 2019, as having been an ideal opportunity to highlight Georgia’s $36.3 billion forestry industry and educate the public. Singleton pointed out that Jackson’s comment about the Super Bowl is a “diverse thought” that helps to build important bridges between urban and rural communities and build a climate of trust among all Georgians.
Jackson strongly believes cultivating diverse relationships will build a “pipeline of new leaders across Georgia that will support the future of forestry in our state.”
The Importance of Cultivating Relationships
GFA President and CEO Andres Villegas noted the importance of relationships in telling the story of forestry at the Capitol and beyond.
Jackson and Singleton’s friendship “is a reminder to all GFA members of the opportunity we have to each be champions of forestry and the importance of cultivating relationships,” Villegas said. “Eighty percent of our state’s population today is urban, living in 10 of Georgia’s major cities. This percentage will only continue to grow. Having champions for our industry on both sides of the aisle who represent both urban and rural communities is critical to the success of forestry in the political process as well as demand in consumer markets.”
The lifelong friendship Jackson and Singleton have enjoyed is helping tremendously to facilitate this climate of trust. As Jackson said, “This interview is a great example. How often do you see a legislator and a forestry expert talking about trust, relationships and inclusiveness?”
Jackson often thinks about something that Singleton emphasizes whenever he talks about the industry: “Grow forestry with intentions.”
“We need everyone sitting at the table,” Jackson elaborated. “We are going to miss something if we don’t include everyone in these discussions.” Jackson added that we must be intentional about Georgia’s continued economic development. Specifically, he tied it back to how we are educating the next wave of Georgia citizens, and the need for branding forestry as a lucrative and exciting career option for young adults, African Americans and women who have an interest in sustainable communities and industries.
Jackson reflected that, if not for his friendship w it h Singleton, he would take forestry for granted. Luckily for Georgia’s forestry community, their 26-year relationship has elevated, enhanced and encouraged the voice of forestry in Georgia’s General Assembly and in House District 64.
■ Rachel Wallenstein is an Atlanta-based freelance writer. She has written for a variety of print and online publications, and has also worked with the digital writing assistant Grammarly.
Jackson and Singleton’s friendship “is a reminder to all GFA members of the opportunity we have to each be champions of forestry and the importance of cultivating relationships,” Villegas said. “Eighty percent of our state’s population today is urban, living in 10 of Georgia’s major cities. This percentage will only continue to grow. Having champions for our industry on both sides of the aisle who represent both urban and rural communities is critical to the success of forestry in the political process as well as demand in consumer markets.”
The lifelong friendship Jackson and Singleton have enjoyed is helping tremendously to facilitate this climate of trust. As Jackson said, “This interview is a great example. How often do you see a legislator and a forestry expert talking about trust, relationships and inclusiveness?”
Jackson often thinks about something that Singleton emphasizes whenever he talks about the industry: “Grow forestry with intentions.”
“We need everyone sitting at the table,” Jackson elaborated. “We are going to miss something if we don’t include everyone in these discussions.” Jackson added that we must be intentional about Georgia’s continued economic development. Specifically, he tied it back to how we are educating the next wave of Georgia citizens, and the need for branding forestry as a lucrative and exciting career option for young adults, African Americans and women who have an interest in sustainable communities and industries.
Jackson reflected that, if not for his friendship w it h Singleton, he would take forestry for granted. Luckily for Georgia’s forestry community, their 26-year relationship has elevated, enhanced and encouraged the voice of forestry in Georgia’s General Assembly and in House District 64.
■ Rachel Wallenstein is an Atlanta-based freelance writer. She has written for a variety of print and online publications, and has also worked with the digital writing assistant Grammarly.
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