{"value"=>"<p>The papers of Esther Jackson include correspondence, memos, writings and printed matter documenting her work at the New York Shakespeare Festival, and also her outside speaking engagements and professional pursuits. The files are arranged into a chronological file (1965-1966) and an alphabetical file (1965-1966). The chronological file (5 folders) is made up of outgoing correspondence. The alphabetical file (1.f.) contains correspondence (incoming and outgoing) and subject files including Actors' Equity Association, Board of Education, and Writings.</p> <p>In her work directly related to the Festival, Doctor Jackson worked with the New York City Board of Education on curriculum development, and spoke and wrote frequently on theater education for minority students, and on equal opportunity in the theater. She corresponded often with academics in theatre and speech departments, with organizations such as the Dance Teachers Guild and the Educational Theatre Association, and with government officials (national and local) regarding arts education and cultural opportunities for minorities. She also worked with other New York City organizations including the YMCA, the Black Arts Theatre, the HARYOU-ACT Drama Program, and the Harlem Cultural Council. Her speaking engagements included a paper at the Second Annual Conference on the Rebuilding of Harlem in favor of creating a Harlem Cultural Center, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the Speech Association of America, Teachers College of Columbia University, and the United Negro College Fund. Copies of many of her speeches are included in the Writings folders of this collection. Dr. Jackson also served on the Performing Arts subcommittee of the International Cooperation Year in 1965 and attended the White House Conference on International Cooperation.</p>"}