Another soul has flown home. The internet is a strange and wonderful place. It's a place where you can meet friends, share ideas, form bonds and never meet in person. Sheldon Jackson was one of these persons in my life. We met online and became associates who conversed and shared ideas over the years. Although we never met in person Sheldon taught me alot about life, acceptance, friendship and the power of self love. He was a courageous, generous and honest soul. Below is the text of the email I received last night. Sheldon's body has departed this earth, but his spirit will stay with me and with others forever. Rest my friend, we'll carry on in your name.

Dear Family, Friends, and Associates of Shelton Samad Jackson:

I am deeply saddened to inform you that our dear friend Shelton Jackson (February 4, 1978 - March 2, 2009) passed away on Monday at The University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. Shelton kept the faith and fought a good fight. My father, Shelton, was a pioneer in love, thought, and spirit. I am forever grateful for everyone who was with him during his last days here on earth.
Shelton is survived by his mother, Lyndale Jackson; his brother, Raheem Jackson; his maternal grandmother, Barbara Williams; his paternal grandmother, Georgia Jackson; three sons (Charles Tyson, Richard Keller, Charles LaMont); his best friend, Ming McCall; and a host of cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Like many, my father inspired me to live as a change agent, whether that change was to manifest in my own self-concept or in my service to humanity. I admired Shelton, not only for his valuable contributions to HIV/AIDS advocacy and literature, but for his steadiness to remain faithful and truthful to his mission in life. For more info on his work, feel free to visit www.sheltonjackson.com.

Funeral services will be held this Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 9am in Newark, NJ at a location TBD. If you would like to attend home going services, please contact Kent Williams directly at (410)493-1858 so she can give you the funeral location details immediately when they become available.

Donations, flowers, and cards can be made to:

Shelton S Jackson Memorial Fund
c/o African American Office of Gay Concerns
877 Broad Street, Suite 211
Newark, NJ 07102
973-639-0700
973-639-9722/Fax
Website: www. aaogc.org

AAOGC is a 501 c 3 non-profit organizations and all donations are tax deductible. To contribute to the memorial fund online, simply go to the website. Scroll down on the menu that's on the homepage and find "Online Donations." That will take you to our PayPal page and just follow the instructions. No codes or passwords are needed.