Story & Lesson Highlights with Pamela-Faith Jackson of Metro ATL

We recently had the chance to connect with Pamela-Faith Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Pamela-Faith, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Spending time listening to, laughing with, and loving on my grandson — he keeps me smiling and reminds me to enjoy the little things.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! My name is Pamela-Faith Jackson. Since retiring as an educator, I’ve taken my passion for teaching reading and poured it into writing children’s books. I created the Lil’ O Adventure Series, which includes Lil’ O Wants to Know, A–Z Animal Clues, and Underwater Discoveries. That third book was actually written in collaboration with the amazing students on the 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance FLL Team 3091, which I have the joy of coaching.

A–Z Animal Clues is really special because it includes Spanish translations of both the clues and the answers—it’s a fun way to introduce kids to bilingual learning.

And my most recent release is a historical fiction book called Porch Dreams & Sweet Tea, which I co-wrote with my cousin and etiquette expert, Miss M. It’s inspired by our own family’s story and how we helped start the tradition of Afternoon Tea in Athens, Georgia.

Everything I write is about sparking curiosity, celebrating heritage, and encouraging readers—especially children—to keep asking questions and keep learning.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I think the moment that really shaped how I see the world happened when I was in my twenties. I was sitting at the piano with my sister Jamellena Hope, and we were writing song lyrics for our cousin, Alegra Baker, to sing at Providence Missionary Baptist Church engagement. Alegra’s voice was so beautiful—it gave me chills.

It was probably a Sunday afternoon, and my mother, Helen Callaway Jackson, was in the kitchen preparing pot roast, collards, and cornbread. I remember asking her, “Mama, what do you think life is really about? How should we live?” She didn’t answer right away—just kept stirring. Then she said something I’ve carried with me for over fifty years:
“To live to be a part of the universe—in perfect harmony—in a land that’s full of liberty—yet not without responsibility.”

Irregardless of world events, that line became a kind of compass for me. It has helped guide my decisions, my creativity, and how I move through the world—with a sense of purpose and responsibility for whatever I’ve been given to steward. (I.e. my youth enrichment programs, my community engagement work, my books, and my family).

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I’d say, “You are more than enough to do what needs to be done.” The answer isn’t out there somewhere—it’s already within you, just lying dormant. Awaken the eagle inside you… and soar.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I would say my father, James C. Jackson, Sr. He was a man of deep character and he believed in hard work, keeping your word, and doing right by people even when no one’s watching. His quiet strength and integrity left an impression on me that’s lasted a lifetime.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, my role, and all my possessions, my soul would remain—and I believe there is an eternity. For me, mediocrity and the status quo have never been options. I’ve always wanted to live in a way that keeps me ready—spiritually, creatively, and purposefully—for whatever comes next.

Image Credits
Mahogany Simmons
Dr. Erin Davis