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Rick Jackson is a successful, politically prominent businessman in metro Atlanta, but his early life bears no resemblance to the one he lives today.

His father left before his first birthday. His mother was a sometimes abusive alcoholic. He ended up in foster care and spent time at the United Methodist Children's Home.

He's mentioned his past in his drive to reform the child welfare/foster care system, and at the September premiere of "90 Minutes in Heaven," a faith-based film his nonprofit Giving Films produced , but hasn't publicly delved fully into details.

He shares his story in this Sunday's Personal Journey: "The Self-Made Philanthropist."

AJC photo/Bob Andres

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

Read the AJC's past coverage of Jackson:

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez