Tae'lor Jackson continues the family legacy of Panther Graphics

In 1993, Rochester native Daryll “Tony” Jackson founded Panther Graphics in a section of Cumberland Street's old post office building. Amid a scarcity of Black-owned businesses, particularly in manufacturing, the name Panther Graphics was inspired by the Black Panther Party, symbolizing a source of pride for the Black community.

Jackson began his printing career as a teenager by working at printing shops until he started his own venture. With 31 employees and a determination to keep the business city-focused, the company began working with local businesses.

As Panther grew, they began shipping internationally and working with well-known brands like Texaco and Disney World. Recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies, they eventually moved to a 90,000-square-foot facility on Cumberland Street.

Jackson led Panther Graphics until his retirement in 2022, passing the legacy to his daughter, Tae’lor Jackson, in the same month.

Early Beginnings at Panther Graphics

At 12, Tae’lor Jackson began her business journey after creating a customizable backpack strap cover company through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy program at the University of Rochester. Growing up, Jackson frequently visited her father at work and knew she wanted to continue the family business at an early age.

After studying at North Carolina A&T and the University of Rochester, where she obtained a degree in economics and a Master’s in Business, Jackson began carving an identity of her own in the family legacy. Now with her innovative leadership, Panther Graphics has a new look with the same mission to serve the local community through scholarships and programs.

Continuing the Family Legacy

For Jackson, education, keeping the industry alive, and helping her community are most important. “The people here that I get to work with and the lives we get to impact here in this building, nothing beats that,” said Jackson.

These values have inspired their adult scholarship for students at North Carolina A&T, career readiness programs with Edison Career & Technology High School, and refugee employment through the Catholic Family Center. Jackson has also pursued ventures of her own as a co-founder of the non-profit Raising the Barcode . The non-profit is a college-access organization that offers a 3-year paid fellowship to help students graduate from high school and college.

Looking ahead, Jackson aims to develop the Flexo Printing division and expand the family business further. Beyond Panther Graphics, she aspires to grow as a community leader.

“I really want to have some impact," Jacksons said. "I don't want to get away from our roots. It's easy when you grow to kind of forget where you come from. But I always want to maintain a sense of humbleness here, like a great place to work, down to earth, and just good culture.”

This story is part of a series showcasing Rochester businesses that enhance the city's quality of life.

Genae Shields is the business & development impact reporter. Reach out at gshields@gannett.com or on Instagram: @genaebriphoto for questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Tae'lor Jackson continues the family legacy of Panther Graphics