The GW Jackson Multicultural Society was founded by a small group of local citizens in collaboration with the Corsicana Visitors’ Center. Its main objective was to complete a mission began by the late Lois Jean Hart. Mrs. Hart, a recognized community leader, educator and activist was praise by former Mayor C.L. “Buster” Brown for her outstanding work in the city of Corsicana. On the front page of the Corsicana Daily Sun (2009) titled; Lois Jean Hart-Community Activist and Educator, Brown quoted the following, “She was an institution around here.” Mrs. Hart was a former student of GW Jackson who was the first African American principal of Fred Douglas School. The school was later renamed GW Jackson High School. He served this community from 1881-1927. Mrs. Hart, a recognized community leader and educator, purchased the property at 708 Martin Luther King Boulevard and 5th Street several years before her demise. This is the land on which Mr. Jackson’s home stood. Her purpose for purchasing the land was to restore the old structure so that it could become a multicultural center and museum for the African American community and all of Navarro County.

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In 2008, under the leadership of Gwen Chance, Mrs. Hart’s sister, a research and development planning committee was organized. This committee was composed of key leaders of the city and in partnership with the Visitor Center. It was during this time that Mrs. Hart’s sister decided to move forward to establish the GW Jackson Multicultural Society Board. Mrs. Hart’s family signed legal documents to place the property in the name of the Board to carry out the Vision of Mrs. Hart. The board president purchased a second lot and later the board voted to purchase a third lot adjacent to the original property for parking. The board meets monthly at a variety of local venues. The mission is to rebuild the facility and collect, preserve, and interpret both past and present historical contributions of diverse ethnic groups with an emphasis on African Heritage. Located on a major thoroughfare here in the city, the facility will be a place for children and families to learn more about their cultural heritage. The Society is organized with a Governing board and an Advisory board. The Advisory board was created to include representatives from the broader community who expressed interest in the vision and mission of the board.

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The society sponsored the first fundraising event in 2009, a jazz concert featuring James (Red) Holloway, and the James Gilyard Ensemble featuring Dino Newman, son of the late David “Fathead” Newman, a world famous jazz saxophonist who was born in Corsicana. Their events include Corsicana’s very own Bobby Sparks’ “An Evening of Jazz,” October 2010; three successful rodeos in 2014, 2016 and 2017; a Gospel concert celebrating Black History Month and Martin Luther King Day in 2015. In 2019, the board sponsored Thelma Houston, a 70’s Motown Grammy award winner. These musical events were held at the Palace Theatre. Funds raised from all major events are budgeted for program operations and to be saved for future projects. Finally, the members of the board have outstanding skills in food preparation and have sponsored several barbecues and a fish fry. The funds from these annual events are designated for the year-round maintenance of the property.

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The current goal is to open up Legacy Park on the GW Jackson's homestead. The park will be a place to honor the history of the place and invite new reasons to make history. The Legacy Project is the current funding effort for the Society. The goal is to raise enough money for the park dedication in 2021. All donations are welcome.