Top 20 Facts about Rev. Jesse Jackson
Originally published by Charity K. in November 2022, and, updated by Hamisi in January 2024
He was born in 1924 to Helen Burns in Greenville, South Carolina. His birth was interesting in that his mother was only 16 years old, and the father was a married neighbour, Noah Louis Robinson who was then 33 years old. His ancestry includes Cherokee, enslaved African-Americans, Irish planters, and a Confederate sheriff. Robinson was a former professional boxer who was an employee of a textile brokerage and a well-known figure in the black community. One year after Jesse’s birth, his mother married Charles Henry Jackson, a post office maintenance worker who later adopted the boy. Jesse was given his stepfather’s name in the adoption, but as he grew up he also maintained a close relationship with Robinson. However, he never discriminated against any of the two men but rather, considered both men to be his fathers.
As a young child, Jackson was taunted by other children about his out-of-wedlock birth and has said these experiences helped motivate him to succeed. Living under Jim Crow segregation laws, Jackson was taught to go to the back of the bus and use separate water fountains—practices he accepted until the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955. He attended the racially segregated Sterling High School in Greenville, where he was elected student class president, finished tenth in his class, and earned letters in baseball, football, and basketball.
Upon graduating from high school in 1959, he rejected a contract from a minor-league professional baseball team so that he could attend the University of Illinois on a football scholarship. After his second semester at the predominantly white school, Jackson transferred to North Carolina A&T, a historically black university in Greensboro, North Carolina. Accounts of the reasons for the transfer differ, though Jackson has said that he changed schools because racial prejudice prevented him from playing quarterback and limited his participation on a competitive public-speaking team.
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1. He was a Bright Student
Writing an article on ESPN.com in 2002, sociologist Harry Edwards noted that the University of Illinois had previously had a black quarterback, but also noted that black athletes attending traditionally white colleges during the 1950s and 1960s encountered a “combination of culture shock and discrimination”. Edwards also suggested that Jackson had left the University of Illinois in 1960 because he had been placed on academic probation, but the school’s president reported in 1987 that Jackson’s 1960 freshman year transcript was clean and said he would have been eligible to re-enrol at any time.
At A&T, Jackson played quarterback and was elected student body president. He became active in local civil rights protests against segregated libraries, theatres, and restaurants. He graduated with a B.S. in sociology in 1964, then attended the Chicago Theological Seminary on a scholarship. He dropped out in 1966, three classes short of earning his master’s degree, to focus full-time on the civil rights movement. He was ordained a minister in 1968 and was awarded a Master of Divinity Degree in 2000 based on his previous credits earned plus his life experience and subsequent work.
2. The Beginning of His Fight for Civil Rights
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Speaks On A Radio Broadcast From The Headquarters Of Operation Push, 07-1973 (8674858057).jpg Photo by The U.S. National Archives – Wikimedia Commons
On his way from College on July 16, 1960, he joined seven other African Americans in a sit-in at the Greenville Public Library in Greenville, South Carolina, which only allowed white people. This did not go well as they were arrested for “disorderly conduct”. His bond was paid by his pastor according to Greenville News. However, one of the seven members known as DeeDee Wright was recorded as saying they actually wanted to be arrested so it could be a test case. The Greenville City Council closed both the main library and the branch black people used. The possibility of a lawsuit led to the reopening of both libraries on September 19, also the day after the News printed a letter written by Wright.
3. He worked for Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin-Luther-King-1964-leaning-on-a-lectern.jpg Photo by Trikosko, Marion S. – Wikimedia Commons
He was hard working and also a voice against the discrimination of blacks by whites. This is the reason why he landed a job with Martin Luther King Jr. He participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches organized by James Bevel, King, and other civil rights leaders in Alabama in 1965. Impressed by Jackson’s drive and organizational abilities, King soon began giving Jackson a role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), though he was concerned about Jackson’s apparent ambition and attention-seeking. When Jackson returned from Selma, he was charged with establishing a frontline office for the SCLC in Chicago.
In 1966 King and Bevel selected Jackson to head the Chicago branch of the SCLC’s economic arm, Operation Breadbasket and he was promoted to national director in 1967. Operation Breadbasket had been started by the Atlanta leadership of the SCLC as a job placement agency for blacks. Under Jackson’s leadership, a key goal was to encourage massive boycotts by black consumers as a means to pressure white-owned businesses to hire blacks and to purchase goods and services from black-owned firms.
4. He was Supported by the Black Community
Reverend Jesse Jackson speaking at the UN crop.jpg Photo by United States Mission Geneva – Wikimedia Commons
In the 1950s proponents of the consumer boycott tactic T. R. M. Howard, soon became a major supporter of Jackson’s efforts – donating and raising funds, and introducing Jackson to prominent members of the black business community in Chicago. Under Jackson’s direction, Operation Breadbasket held popular weekly workshops on Chicago’s South Side featuring white and black political and economic leaders, and religious services complete with a jazz band and choir.
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5. His Position after King’s Assassination
After Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in April 1968, he was very much involved. Actually, in SCLC leadership disputes following King’s assassination on April 4, 1968. When King was shot, Jackson was in the parking lot one floor below. Jackson told reporters he was the last person to speak to King, and that King died in his arms – an account that several King aides disputed. In the wake of King’s death, Jackson worked on SCLC’s Poor People’s Crusade in Washington, D.C., and was credited with managing its 15-acre tent city. However, he began to increasingly clash with Ralph Abernathy, King’s successor as chairman of the SCLC. New York Times in 1969 reported that several black leaders viewed Jackson as King’s successor and that he was one of the few black activists who was preaching racial reconciliation.
6. He Collaborated with whites to tackle Racial Problems
Jackson was very instrumental in creating collaborations with whites to approach what was considered racial problems as economic and class problems. When we change the race problem into a class fight between the haves and the have-nots, then we are going to have a new ball game. In the 21st century, some public school systems are working on an approach for affirmative action that deals with family income rather than race, recognizing that some minority members have been very successful. The Times also indicated that Jackson was being criticized as too involved with middle-class blacks, and for having an unattainable goal of racial unity.
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7. Founder of PUSH
20070906 Rainbow-PUSH Headquarters.JPG Photo by User:TonyTheTiger – Wikimedia Commons
People United to Save Humanity (Operation PUSH) officially began operations on December 25, 1971. Jackson later changed the name to People United to Serve Humanity. T. R. M. Howard was installed as a member of the board of directors and chair of the finance committee. At its inception, Jackson planned to orient Operation PUSH toward politics and pressure politicians to work to improve economic opportunities for blacks and poor people of all races. SCLC officials reportedly felt a new organization would help black businesses more than it would help the poor. He called for a closer relationship between blacks and the Republican Party in 1978. He challenged the party to incorporate black people if they ever wanted to compete for a national office.
8. He was an International Civil Activist
His influence extended to international matters in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1983 he travelled to Syria to secure the release of a captured American pilot, Navy Lt. Robert Goodman, who was being held by the Syrian government. Goodman had been shot down over Lebanon while on a mission to bomb Syrian positions in that country. After Jackson made a dramatic personal appeal to Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, Goodman was released. The Reagan administration was initially sceptical about Jackson’s trip, but after Jackson secured Goodman’s release, Reagan welcomed Jackson and Goodman to the White House on January 4, 1984. This helped to boost Jackson’s popularity as an American patriot and served as a springboard for his 1984 presidential run. In June 1984 Jackson negotiated the release of 22 Americans being held in Cuba after an invitation by Cuban president Fidel Castro.
9. He was a Peace Envoy to the World
Daniel arap Moi 1979b.jpg Photo by Croes, Rob C. / Anefo – Wikimedia Commons
On the eve of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Jackson made a trip to Iraq to plead with Saddam Hussein for the release of foreign nationals held there as a “human shield”, securing the release of several British and 20 American individuals. In 1997 Jackson traveled to Kenya to meet with Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi as United States President Bill Clinton’s special envoy for democracy to promote free and fair elections. In April 1999, during the Kosovo War, he travelled to Belgrade to negotiate the release of three U.S. POWs captured on the Macedonian border while patrolling with a UN peacekeeping unit. He met with then-Yugoslav President Slobodan Milošević, who later agreed to release the three men.
His international efforts continued into the 2000s when he spoke to an estimated one million people in Hyde Park on February 15, 2003, in London at the culmination of the anti-war demonstration against the imminent invasion of Iraq by the U.S. and the United Kingdom. In November 2004 Jackson visited senior politicians and community activists in Northern Ireland to encourage better cross-community relations rebuild the peace process and restore the governmental institutions of the Belfast Agreement.
In August 2005 Jackson travelled to Venezuela to meet Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, following controversial remarks by televangelist Pat Robertson that implied that Chávez should be assassinated. Jackson condemned Robertson’s remarks as immoral. After meeting with Chávez and addressing the Venezuelan Parliament, Jackson said there was no evidence that Venezuela posed a threat to the U.S. He also met representatives from the Venezuelan African and indigenous communities. In 2005 he was enlisted as part of the United Kingdom’s Operation Black Vote, a campaign Simon Woolley ran to encourage more of Britain’s ethnic minorities to vote in political elections ahead of the May 2005 General Election. In 2009 he served as a speaker for the International Peace Foundation on the topic “Building a culture of peace and development in a globalized world”. He visited multiple locations in Malaysia, including the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in Thailand, including NIST International School in Bangkok.
10. He Supported Former President Obama’s Support for Gay Marriages
He surprised many people when he commended Obama’s 2012 decision to support gay marriage and compared the fight for marriage equality to the fight against slavery and the anti-miscegenation laws that once prevented interracial marriage. He favoured federal legislation extending marriage rights to gay people. In the 2016 United States presidential election he endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. During the 2019 Venezuelan presidential crisis, he delivered food to activists occupying the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, D.C
11. He Ran for President in 1984 and 1988
When Rev. Jesse Jackson ran for president as a Democrat in 1984 and 1988, he created history by being the first African American to launch a national campaign. Despite not winning the Democratic nomination in each contest, Jackson’s campaigns were a significant turning point in American history because they showed that an African American politician could command a sizable following across racial divides. In addition to garnering many votes, Jackson prevailed in the primaries held in South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Virginia in 1984. Jackson built a multiracial alliance in 1988 as well, winning more than 7 million votes in the primaries. Jackson’s trailblazing campaigns cleared the path for increased African American participation and representation in national politics, even though he was unsuccessful in winning the nomination.
12. He Won 11 million votes in 1988
Rev. Jesse Jackson created history in 1988 by uniting support across racial and economic divides during his presidential campaign, even though he did not secure the Democratic nominee. Jackson organized marginalized communities, such as the impoverished, blue-collar workers, and minorities. His message of strength and inclusivity struck a chord with millions of Americans. Jackson received more than 11 million votes overall in the Democratic primaries and caucuses of 1988. Even though Michael Dukakis ended up winning the nomination, Jackson made a powerful impression that would guarantee his voice would be heard in the party platform. Jackson’s 1988 campaign increased the number of voters in the democratic process by millions. Even though he was not elected, his campaign brought attention to the importance of addressing problems like racial equality, worker’s rights, and urban poverty.
13. He Was a Key Figure in the Fight for the Release of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela. South Africa The Good News / www.sagoodnews.co.za, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Throughout his civil rights activist career, Rev. Jesse Jackson used his well-known status to push for the global release of political prisoners. Most famously, Jackson battled nonstop to rescue Nelson Mandela, the leader of the anti-apartheid movement who spent 27 years in prison in South Africa. Jackson oversaw well-known efforts demanding Mandela’s unconditional release and penalties against South Africa’s apartheid regime. Mandela was eventually released from prison in 1990, having spent over thirty years there. Mandela said that Jackson’s efforts and other public pressure were responsible for pressing South Africa’s hand. Jackson campaigned to free Irish Republican Army members, Puerto Rican separatist prisoners, and numerous other people imprisoned for their political activities in addition to Mandela. His activism brought injustice to light and stimulated resistance to oppressive regimes around the world.
14. Jackson Received Honorary Degrees from Over 40 Colleges and Universities
HarvardDaderot., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Throughout his many years as a political activist and civil rights fighter, Rev. Jesse Jackson has received honorary degrees from more than forty schools and universities. These accolades serve as a testament to his ceaseless pursuit of social justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans. Rev. Jackson has received honorary degrees from prestigious universities including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Morehouse College, Howard University, and North Carolina A&T. In addition, he has won honours from women’s colleges and several schools with religious affiliations. These honours are a testament to Rev. Jackson’s enduring influence on American culture and his standing as a revered elder statesman. Despite not having equal access to schooling as a young man, Rev. Jackson has become a pivotal figure in American history, receiving recognition from academic institutions of all stripes.
15. He Was Ordained as a Baptist minister in 1968
Rev. Jesse Jackson combined his activism and Christian faith when he was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1968. Following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s murder in that same year, Jackson dedicated his life to pursuing King’s vision, providing spiritual leadership for the civil rights movement. Jackson preached nonviolence, inclusivity, and the value of community, infusing the fight for justice with the moral principles of his religion. Jackson, a Baptist clergyman, inspired and brought together people of all races in America by appealing to the conscience of the country to fight injustice, poverty, and violence. His ministry gave moral credibility to initiatives for community investment, fair housing, and voter registration drives. With his ordination, Rev. Jackson gained the ability to lead with compassion and vision.
16. He Was Known for His Powerful Oratory and Charisma
From the pulpit to the political platform, Reverend Jesse Jackson is well known for his soaring, passionate oratory and captivating magnetism. As a leader in the civil rights movement and a Baptist clergyman, Jackson’s lectures arouse empathy, offer voice to the marginalized, and instill hope via themes of liberation and restoration. Acclaimed for his poetic eloquence, striking imagery, and skillful delivery, Jackson’s speeches enthral audiences and have the power to move them to tears or get them to stand up. Millions of people have been moved by his rhetorical talent, which has also questioned injustice and galvanized votes. “I am somebody” and “Keep hope alive,” two of Rev Jesse Jackson’s catchphrases, have endured for years. Jackson’s audacious, improvisational speaking style and undeniable charm have inspired innumerable people, whether he is advocating for political change or spiritual reform.
17. His “Keep Hope Alive” speech at the 1988 Democratic National Convention Remains Iconic
At the 1988 Democratic National Convention, Rev. Jesse Jackson gave one of the most famous speeches in political history. Despite Michael Dukakis’ victory as the party’s nominee that year, Jackson’s speech went down in history as legendary. With his poetic, impromptu eloquence, Jackson inspired millions of people watching at home and 20,000 in person in less than ten minutes of speech. The crowd went into a frenzy when Jackson delivered his famous speech, “Keep hope alive!” and shared his vision for social justice, empowerment, and inclusivity. Millions of Americans connected with Jackson’s 1988 campaign theme, which was outlined in his speech. Jackson’s riveting speech, which was brief but had a huge impact, had the convention attendees up and dancing.
18. He was Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013
President Barack Obama. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In acknowledgement of his lifetime contributions to the advancement of civil rights, Rev. Jesse Jackson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, in 2013. President Barack Obama, who gave the honour, commended Jackson for his unwavering work during a 50-year career to advance social justice, inclusivity, and equality. Jackson gave voice to the underprivileged and pushed the country to uphold its principles through his participation in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Marches and his presidential campaign. Jackson’s significant contributions—from extending voting rights to diversifying corporate America—are recognised with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The honour, which came at the age of 72, capped decades of activism that allowed millions to enter. Jackson risked and sacrificed all with dignity and determination to slant history in favour of justice.
19. He Has Authored Several Books, Including “Keep Hope Alive” and “Jesse Jackson: My Story”
Apart from his political leadership and activism, Reverend Jesse Jackson is the author of multiple books that convey his vision and account of his remarkable career in the civil rights movement. Jackson’s works offer first-hand accounts of significant historical occurrences, motivational calls to action, and a road map for personal growth. His autobiography “Jesse Jackson: My Story” details his ascent from a life of poverty to become a force for global change. “Keep Hope Alive” sums up Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign agenda and his aspirations for the future of the United States. Additional pieces such as “Legal Lynching” and “Straight from the Heart” expound on Jackson’s spiritual beliefs and his pursuit of social justice. Respected as a writer and intellectual pioneer, Jackson’s works take readers to the forefront of the fight for equality and highlight contemporary issues.
20. He is Still Considered a Major Figure in American History and Black Political Leadership
Rev. Jesse Jackson has been leading the civil rights struggle for more than 50 years, making a lasting impact on both Black political leadership and American history. From his early collaborations with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to his trailblazing presidential campaigns, Jackson used his oratory prowess and moral fortitude to champion the interests of the underprivileged. His actions increased the scope for voting, opened doors for employment, and brought injustice to light, all of which contributed to tilting the historical arc in favour of justice. Jackson is still regarded as an esteemed senior statesman whose knowledge inspires a new generation. His legacy is in showing how action may accomplish insurmountable goals. Hailed for his foresight and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity, Rev. Jesse Jackson is a prime example of transformative leadership.
Rev. Jesse Jackson’s groundbreaking presidential campaigns, fervour for social justice, and skilful oratory have irrevocably impacted the civil rights movement and American politics during his decades-long career. As an activist, statesman, and spiritual leader, Jackson’s legacy embodies the strength of conviction, fortitude, and bold hope in the face of injustice.
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