Remembering the Rev. Jesse Jackson

His story has been lived.  His story must be told.  His story marks time and eras.  His story bridges change in the landscape of our country.  His story is all of our story.  

Born into a time when it was not legal for him to be a citizen with full rights, to be free to walk in every door or drink in every fountain, to be served in every business, to be educated in every school, still he persevered.  

He chose to excel in spite of a stacked deck against him.  He chose to stand up for himself and others when told to sit down and be quiet.  He chose to pursue the unattainable so that others could see the possibility. He chose hope over hate, participation in prosperity over poverty and embracing all over some.  He cried during great loss in 1968 and cried in great victory in 2008.  He opened doors in his lifetime for many. 

His oratorical skill paled in comparison to his work and drive to make a difference.  While battling a debilitating disease he vowed to continue to work until he could not anymore.  He was loved and loathed for being himself, without losing himself.  His purpose in life was greater than the person he had ever been.  

In the 1960’s he became a part of the inner circle of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr that produced landmark legislation that impacted far more than just the black community.  Civil Rights legislation opened doors for changes in every aspect of life.  Persons with disabilities were now afforded the right to access.  The women’s movement benefitted from it.  Every part of life in the United States was impacted.

In the 1970’s he became the voice for anyone who felt like they were treated as less than.  His mantra of “I am somebody” bridges Ralph Waldo Ellisons’ book ‘Invisible Man’ to Fannie Lou Hamers declaration of being sick and tired of being sick and tired, to striking Memphis garbage workers signs saying “I am a man.” His work and words still move people to action.

In the 1980’s, while watching the democratic convention college students were amazed at his ability to speak with knowledge and power about issues of the country and the world.  He had moved a long way from the limitations of his beginnings in South Carolina.  His voice spoke to world leaders and he challenged us all to keep hope alive. He traversed the country speaking about the economic violence being perpetrated on the poorest of Americans regardless of race, religion or gender.  

Whether challenging decision makers, business leaders or politicians about how and where they chose to place items that impact a community or inspiring a new generation of people to become leaders and advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves, he never stopped being a representative for the needs of the underserved all around the world.

He kept the hope alive for a better America by being part of the process to make it change.  Anyone who benefits from that hope should know that same hope will still carry them through difficult times.  Keep hope alive!