RainbowPUSH homegoing for Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

A newspaper once described Jesse Jackson's arrival in Chicago as a 'classic nobody' from the South, in his 20s, and 'blackened by the clannish rules of Chicago politics.' Despite these initial perceptions and systemic barriers, Jackson defied expectations, building a movement that eventually compelled major metropolitan press to cover his work.

A newspaper this past week had one paragraph. It said, 'When Reverend Jesse Jackson arrived in Chicago, he was a classic nobody. Nobody scent. He was from the south. Blackened in his 20s by the clanish rules of Chicago politics since 1964. He should have shouldn't have amounted to much.'

Jesse Jackson's 1984 presidential campaign, born from a moment of disrespect towards Harold Washington, registered two to five million new voters. This surge in voter engagement significantly impacted American politics, contributing to Democratic control of the Senate in 1986 and paving the way for the election of black officials like David Dinkens and Doug Wilder, and ultimately Barack Obama.

From that moment of disrespect, the Jackson candidacy for president in 1984 was born. ... Two to five million people were registered to vote. And in 1986, the Democrats took back control of the Senate with wins in Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. David Dinkens was elected mayor of New York. Doug Wilder was elected governor of Virginia because of those registration drives. And in 1992, Bill Clinton was elected president. ... the Jackson candidacy and the rainbow movement paved the way for the victory in 2008 of Barack Obama.

Jackson recognized the critical link between economic empowerment and civil rights. He launched the Wall Street Project and Silicon Valley Project to address the lack of diversity in financial services and technology. He successfully lobbied major corporations like Goldman Sachs, Apple, and Google to acknowledge unfairness and embrace inclusion, demonstrating that diversity was beneficial for their bottom line.

He understood the connection between economic empowerment and civil rights. ... Reverend saw clearly the extraordinary impact that they had as job creators, philanthropist, and civic leaders. ... Reverend Jackson started the Wall Street project and the Silicon Valley project. ... he got the country's most powerful CEOs to see to not only to acknowledge the unfairness, but he also got them to see to understand that inclusion was good for their bottom line and they would make their companies grow faster when they included us.

Jackson's commitment extended globally, notably in his fight against apartheid in South Africa. He visited Soweto, declared 'this land is changing hands,' and became a leading advocate for economic sanctions against the apartheid regime. He was present for Nelson Mandela's release and inauguration, and his 'Keep Hope Alive' message became an anthem for the struggle.

Jesse Jackson stood with the people of South Africa during our darkest days and hours against apartate. ... He drew massive crowds at rallies in Sutoto where he famously declared as though he was a prophet and indeed he was. He said this land is changing hands. ... By placing South Africa at the center of American electoral politics during his presidential election campaign, Jesse Jackson influenced millions of voters to confront a partate as their moral responsibility too. ... When Nelson Mandela finally walked free in 1990 after 27 years of imprisonment, Jesse Jackson was there in Cape Town, witnessing a moment the world would never forget.

Jackson's family, particularly his wife Jacqueline, made immense sacrifices, sharing him with the world for over 64 years. His daughter Ashley recounted how he would always reach back for her hand while on calls with world leaders, symbolizing his commitment to both his public mission and his private family life. His children also described his personal struggles with progressive supranuclear palsy and the family's dedicated care.

We thank you for his wife who shared her husband with the world. ... He would reach back his hand to find mine while he was on the phone. It didn't matter who was on the other end of the line, presidents, organizers, global leaders. The call would continue and still his hand would find mine. ... My dad would later be diagnosed with progressive supra nuclear palsy.

Jesse Jackson empowered many Black women in politics, including Minyon Moore, Yolanda Caraway, Donna Brazile, and Tina Flournoy, whose impact continues today. He also mentored countless individuals, teaching them to speak up against injustice and to believe in their own worth.

This movement would not be what it is but for Jesse Jackson empowering some black women. Minan Moore, Yolanda Carowway, Donna Brazil, Tina Fenoi, the color girls are still having impact because of Reverend Jackson.