Clyde Jackson was a 4-H pioneer. Clyde grew up in 4-H and spoke of the importance that his 4-H experience had in shaping his life. When the Virginia State Extension Service and the Virginia Tech Extension Service integrated in 1966, Clyde was elected as the first president of the Black Virginia 4-H Youth Program, 1967-68. He was also one of seven African American youth leaders to attend the first integrated State 4-H Congress where over 1,200 delegates attended. Clyde competed at State 4-H Congress and went on to National 4-H Congress.
Clyde joined Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and served more than 29 years as 4-H Agent in Fairfax and Prince William Counties. Annually, Clyde engaged over 12,000 youth and 650 volunteers in 4-H. Clyde served as President of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents from 2006-2007. After his retirement in 2008, he returned to VCE to continue with his passion. He established 4-H clubs on 12 of the 14 Virginia military installations and worked with Virginia’ National Guard and Army Reserve to reach the geographically dispersed military youth. The Virginia OMK program enrolled 1,800 annually under Clyde’ leadership.
