Rev. Jesse Jackson, Towering Icon Of Civil Rights, Dies At 84
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Reverend Jesse Jackson was a consistent staple and Chicago icon, fighting for economic opportunity and liberation for Black people across the country and world.
- ❖He learned and expanded upon Dr. King's economic development strategies, notably through Operation Bread Basket, which evolved into PUSH and Rainbow PUSH.
- ❖Jackson's political campaigns in the 1980s were trailblazing, influencing the Democratic Party's agenda and changing delegate rules that directly enabled Barack Obama's presidential victory.
- ❖He possessed unmatched global influence, often treated as a head of state, and was personally accessible to ordinary people in crisis.
- ❖Jackson's ability to connect with people, rooted in his Christian faith and oratorical skills, allowed him to build broad coalitions and advocate for marginalized groups.
- ❖Even in his final days, battling Parkinson's, Jackson remained fixated on issues of voting, feeding the hungry, and social justice.
Insights
1Economic Empowerment through Strategic Boycotts
Jesse Jackson significantly advanced Black economic empowerment by expanding on Dr. King's Operation Bread Basket. This initiative pushed companies to hire more Black and minority executives, work with Black suppliers, and invest in inner-city education and job programs. This strategy evolved into PUSH and later Rainbow PUSH, using economic leverage to effect change, as seen in campaigns against major corporations like Coca-Cola, Sears, and Target.
Brandon Pope details Jackson's ownership of Operation Bread Basket in the Midwest, improving economic lives by pushing companies to hire more Black executives and work with Black suppliers (). Roland Martin clarifies the origin of Operation Bread Basket from Rev. Leon Sullivan and its tremendous impact on Black businesses in Chicago ().
2Political Trailblazing and Reshaping the Democratic Party
Jackson's presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 were groundbreaking. He championed issues like poverty, farmers' rights, apartheid, LGBTQ+ rights, and disability advocacy, which were often ignored by other candidates. His influence was so significant that it led to the creation of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) by centrists fearful of his progressive message. Crucially, his efforts with Ron Brown and Dr. Ron Walters in 1988 changed the Democratic Party's 'winner-take-all' delegate rules, a reform that directly enabled Barack Obama's victory in 2008.
Roland Martin explains Jackson's 1984 campaign issues (), the creation of the DLC in response (), and how Jackson's work changing DNC rules in 1988 directly led to President Barack Obama's ability to win in 2008 ().
3Unmatched Global Diplomatic Influence
Reverend Jackson operated as an unofficial head of state on the international stage, traveling the world and meeting with global leaders. He was renowned for his ability to personally intervene in complex international situations, including negotiating the release of American prisoners and kidnapped individuals overseas, often succeeding where official government channels could not. This influence earned him respect from figures like President Ronald Reagan.
Roland Martin recounts Jackson being treated like a head of state globally (), and the story of Allison Payne calling Jackson from Israel for help when detained, leading to Jackson's direct call to the leader of Israel within an hour (). He also mentions Jackson bringing back a naval officer kidnapped in Syria, earning Reagan's respect ().
4Personal Accessibility and Unwavering Commitment to Justice
Despite his towering stature, Jackson remained remarkably accessible to ordinary people. His office was readily reachable, and he personally responded to calls for help in various crises, from police issues to natural disasters. Even in his final days, battling Parkinson's disease, his mind remained sharp and focused on the ongoing work of social justice, discussing voting, feeding the hungry, and community organizing.
Brandon Pope shares Jackson's encouragement for young Black journalists (). Roland Martin describes Jackson's accessibility through Rainbow PUSH, where callers were 'one person removed' from him (). He recounts a personal hospital visit in November, where Jackson, despite his physical decline, was still talking about 'preachers,' 'plan,' 'feeding the hungry,' and 'voting' ().
Lessons
- Actively listen to and learn from elders and historical figures, recognizing their wisdom and experiences as vital lessons for ongoing struggles.
- Support and engage with organizations like Rainbow PUSH that continue the fight for economic opportunity, voting rights, and social justice.
- Utilize economic power and strategic boycotts to advocate for corporate accountability and equitable practices in hiring and supplier diversity.
- Recognize and properly honor the luminaries and leaders in your community, ensuring their contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.
- Continue to advocate for voting rights and civic engagement, understanding that political power is built on mobilization and participation.
Notable Moments
Brandon Pope's first encounter with Jesse Jackson as a young reporter.
Jackson, an icon, warmly greeted a 25-year-old journalist, expressing honor to be with him, demonstrating his humility and commitment to empowering young Black voices and the Black press.
Allison Payne, a WGN anchor, called Jesse Jackson from Israel when detained.
Instead of contacting the State Department or White House, Payne called Jackson, who within an hour was on the phone with the leader of Israel, securing their release. This illustrates Jackson's unparalleled global influence and ability to act as an unofficial head of state.
Roland Martin's bedside visit with Jesse Jackson in the hospital in November.
Despite his body shutting down from Parkinson's, Jackson's mind remained fixated on 'preachers,' 'plan,' 'feeding the hungry,' and 'voting.' This moment powerfully underscores his lifelong, unwavering commitment to social justice and the movement, even in his final days.
Quotes
"Stay with the eagles and not with the snakes, meaning uh, you know, keep above the fray, keep your head high, keep your spirits high."
"My mentor, Reverend Jesse Jackson, has passed. I just pray with his family by phone. He was a consequential and transformative leader who changed this nation and the world. He shaped public policy and changed laws. He kept the dream alive and taught young children from broken homes like me that we don't have broken spirits."
"He empowered millions to declare, 'I am somebody' and expanded the path for leaders of color in politics and public life."
"Some people are present, some people have presence. He had presence. He was he was present and he had presence."
Q&A
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