Jay Jackson (artist)

Jay Jackson (1905-1954) was an African-American artist best known for his cartoon strips and illustrations depicting African-American life. Born in Ohio, Jackson moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he established his career.

Jackson's most notable work was the comic strip "Bungleton Green," which ran in the Chicago Defender, a prominent African-American newspaper, from 1920 to 1938. While the strip achieved significant popularity within the Black community, it has also been criticized for its use of racial stereotypes, reflecting the complexities of representation in the era. Jackson took over the strip after the original creator died.

In addition to "Bungleton Green," Jackson worked as a freelance illustrator, creating artwork for various publications and advertisements. His work often focused on portraying everyday scenes and characters within the African-American community, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the time. While his legacy is complex due to the stereotypical elements in "Bungleton Green," Jackson's contributions to African-American art and representation within popular media remain a subject of study and discussion.