PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ty Allan Jackson is running for City Council.

 

The local businessman and children's author announced his candidacy for an at-large position on John Krol's "Good Morning, Pittsfield" show on Thursday morning. The New York native and author has grown to be a significant figure in the city for his work in promoting literacy among the city's youth. He has also become prominent in the business and social realms. 

 

Jackson is the founder of Big Head Books, which he launched in 2012. His career started in 2009 when he wrote his first book to teach his son about entrepreneurship. The book, "Danny Dollar, Millionaire Extraordinaire: The Lemonade Escapade," has since taken off and has been particularly notable in the African-American community for its approach toward youth about business and finance. It has been reproduced on a number of mediums since.

 

He has won citations from former Gov. Deval Patrick, former state Sen. Benjamin Downing, and the state House of Representatives. He was the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Content of Character Award and a Berkshire Trendsetter Award. 

 

Most recently, he launched the Read or Else movement focused on shedding light on the issue of illiteracy. The movement tries to instill a love of reading in children while raising awareness of the connection between illiteracy and poverty, incarceration, unemployment, dropout rates, teen pregnancy, poor health, and more.

 

Jackson says he stands for supporting and promoting small, local businesses and placing a greater emphasis on arts and entertainment.

 

Jackson's announcement came just two days after Councilor at Large Kathleen Amuso announced she would not be seeking re-election, opening the door for at least one newcomer to the council. He is the only candidate thus far to announce intentions to seek public office.