I was 12 in 1968, the year of the assasinations. Up until that time there was a movement afoot, almost a battle in motion, to bring a new renaissance upon us. Yes, there were many, many casualties and at times setbacks, but there was never hopelessness.
Jesse Jackson was cast into a role he was probably too young for and definitely not expecting. But he kept the flame burning. If it had gone out then we would have become an epic tragedy. It was much, much more than Civil Rights, Reverend Jesse Jackson devoted his life to redefining the soul of a nation.
In 2004 the Reverend Al Sharpton addressed the Democratic National Convention in Boston. It may have been the finest speech of his life. While endorsing Barrack Obama he connected a link from King to Jackson to Sharpton and to Obama. We cannot ever allow that chain to be broken, though it is severely strained right now, the people of Minnesota have hardened the steel of that chain and it is up to everyone of us to hold it tight.
We must now find in ourselves the titanic resolve of Abraham Lincoln, the courage of George Washington, and the indomitable heart of FDR, to carry again the torch of freedom as Jesse Jackson carried it, without fear or favor.
I was too young—and too distracted—to fully appreciate you in your prime, but you were always there: steadfast, unwavering, a constant presence in the life of this country. You helped shape my understanding of America—these United States—the place I call home and where I belong. For that, I will always be grateful.
Because of you, I came to see America as a land of possibility—a place where dreams can take root and grow, whether or not they’re fully realized. And because of leaders like you, I learned not just to believe in this country, but to stand up for it. You taught me how to resist when our democracy feels threatened, and to do so with even greater courage and resolve.
In an early example of 'lawfare', as I recall he was investigated for misuse of [not a very large amount] of campaign contributions. And actually went to jail. I was shocked at the silencing of such an inspiring leader. I'm not saying that we shouldn't keep proper accounting of such things - of course we should, always. But there's a staggering comparison with the unimpeached grift and graft today.
A comparison for sure, but a huge huge gap in the amount of grift and graft today! I wonder, too, of the possibility that perhaps that "investigation" and jail might just have been enhanced by his powerful critics! Just perhaps?
Thank you for this tribute. History can have arc towards justice, but Jesse Jackson realized that it could only have them if everyone strove to build that arc.. working and striving towards where we want it to go, and to whom we would like to include in it is the whole point. He knew this and acted accordingly the results as you say helped expand possibility. We need to take up the mantle and push it out even further, especially now. (Especially always!). History is larger than our lifetimes, what we do in them (our lives) makes a difference if we participate with vision.
He carried the fire when the Epstein class tried to smother it, and showed us how to keep it burning. Thank you, Reverend Jesse Jackson. Rest In Power.
A lovely tribute to a wonderful man, not flawless mind you, none of us are, but humble and mindful of his flaws and forgiving of others as well. He was an inspiration to many. Rest in power Jesse Jackson….
Always a fighter for a just society.
Rest in peace Reverend Jackson, you deserve it!🥲
A life well lived, sir.
I wore all black today in memoriam.
I was 12 in 1968, the year of the assasinations. Up until that time there was a movement afoot, almost a battle in motion, to bring a new renaissance upon us. Yes, there were many, many casualties and at times setbacks, but there was never hopelessness.
Jesse Jackson was cast into a role he was probably too young for and definitely not expecting. But he kept the flame burning. If it had gone out then we would have become an epic tragedy. It was much, much more than Civil Rights, Reverend Jesse Jackson devoted his life to redefining the soul of a nation.
In 2004 the Reverend Al Sharpton addressed the Democratic National Convention in Boston. It may have been the finest speech of his life. While endorsing Barrack Obama he connected a link from King to Jackson to Sharpton and to Obama. We cannot ever allow that chain to be broken, though it is severely strained right now, the people of Minnesota have hardened the steel of that chain and it is up to everyone of us to hold it tight.
We must now find in ourselves the titanic resolve of Abraham Lincoln, the courage of George Washington, and the indomitable heart of FDR, to carry again the torch of freedom as Jesse Jackson carried it, without fear or favor.
Always a fighter for a just society.
Rest in peace Reverend Jackson, you deserve it!🥲
Despite defeats Jackson did not give up or give in. I admire that. Shout out to Shirley Chisolm who ran for president in 1972.
Rest in peace, Reverend Jackson.
I was too young—and too distracted—to fully appreciate you in your prime, but you were always there: steadfast, unwavering, a constant presence in the life of this country. You helped shape my understanding of America—these United States—the place I call home and where I belong. For that, I will always be grateful.
Because of you, I came to see America as a land of possibility—a place where dreams can take root and grow, whether or not they’re fully realized. And because of leaders like you, I learned not just to believe in this country, but to stand up for it. You taught me how to resist when our democracy feels threatened, and to do so with even greater courage and resolve.
In an early example of 'lawfare', as I recall he was investigated for misuse of [not a very large amount] of campaign contributions. And actually went to jail. I was shocked at the silencing of such an inspiring leader. I'm not saying that we shouldn't keep proper accounting of such things - of course we should, always. But there's a staggering comparison with the unimpeached grift and graft today.
A comparison for sure, but a huge huge gap in the amount of grift and graft today! I wonder, too, of the possibility that perhaps that "investigation" and jail might just have been enhanced by his powerful critics! Just perhaps?
Thank you for this tribute. History can have arc towards justice, but Jesse Jackson realized that it could only have them if everyone strove to build that arc.. working and striving towards where we want it to go, and to whom we would like to include in it is the whole point. He knew this and acted accordingly the results as you say helped expand possibility. We need to take up the mantle and push it out even further, especially now. (Especially always!). History is larger than our lifetimes, what we do in them (our lives) makes a difference if we participate with vision.
He carried the fire when the Epstein class tried to smother it, and showed us how to keep it burning. Thank you, Reverend Jesse Jackson. Rest In Power.
A lovely tribute to a wonderful man, not flawless mind you, none of us are, but humble and mindful of his flaws and forgiving of others as well. He was an inspiration to many. Rest in power Jesse Jackson….