Motivated by a desire to experience life and have her voice heard, Anne Jackson participated in community activism ranging from the March on Washington to Holocaust education. Jackson was born to a family of Russian immigrants and pursued her education at Hyannis Teacher's College. She took many courses at Columbia University and at Harvard, where famous author James Michener, who became her mentor, invited her to work in a Harvard summer workshop and library. Jackson taught elementary school in Chelsea for many years, introducing innovative educational programs. In addition to her work as a teacher, Jackson immersed herself in local politics and community activism for causes such as civil rights and Holocaust education. Some of her activities have included attending the March on Washington in 1963, serving on the Brookline Town Meeting, and involvement with Facing History and Ourselves.

Anne Jackson was honored at the 2000 Women Who Dared event in Boston.