Byron Elam, sophomore history major, transferred to Union during the spring of his freshman year. After a challenging transition, the New Jersey native has learned to adjust to Jackson by getting involved in a variety of groups within the community.
Elam’s favorite moment so far at Union occurred on April 18, 2015 when he witnessed his great-grandfather being honored by the city of Jackson. Monroe Street was renamed Isaiah Savage Jr. Boulevard.
Elam’s great-grandfather, Isaiah Savage Jr., passed away in 1981. He was one of the first civil rights activists in Jackson and a World War II and Korean War veteran. Savage was also known for owning Savage’s Grill on Liberty Street in Jackson.
Savage was the first African-American to serve on the board of trustees of the Jackson-Madison County general hospital and many other organizations.
“He served as a conduit between congressmen and the people,” Elam said.
While Savage owned his restaurant he was involved in a boycott. The head of the Dr. Pepper bottling company had publicly gone against a lawsuit in the state of Tennessee that would desegregate the schools.
“My great-grandfather took it upon himself to no longer purchase products from this person,” Elam said. “That was a transformative moment, when the civil rights movement was just getting its energy.”
The boycott is viewed as one of the first acts towards the civil rights movement here in Jackson.
Elam played a part in honoring his great-grandfather by conducting the initial research that led to the street being renamed after Savage.
“He was a person who did a lot for people,” Elam said. “He served people as best he could.”
Being able to be a part of his great-grandfather’s dedication meant a lot to Elam. “It means in some small way I’m carrying on his legacy,” Elam said. “But even more so I truly hope to carry on his legacy by following in his path of service.”
Great article McKenna! I didn’t know you are a writer too!!!