Guardian Panel Honors the Enduring Legacy of Rev Jesse Jackson
A historic force to be reckoned with, a giant to be mourned. Our esteemed panel pays heartfelt tribute to the Rev Jesse Jackson, whose profound influence as a civil rights leader, politician, and campaigner resonates globally. Writers reflect on his indelible impact, celebrating a phenomenal orator and brilliant organizer whose work transcended borders.
'I Am Somebody': Hugh Muir on Jackson's Transformative Power
To meet the Rev Jesse Jackson was to encounter a true colossus. He radiated an aura of drive, self-assurance, and unwavering purpose, complemented by sharp intelligence and remarkable craft. In a 2007 interview, after observing him engage with communities in the UK, I witnessed his mastery firsthand. Even in a moment of rest, his private voice, quieter and stripped of public performance, conveyed the message he intended—literally doing it in his sleep.
For many of us who revered Martin Luther King and his lieutenants as heroic figures from history, Jackson's presence was akin to touching the hem of a guru's garment. At an Operation Black Vote event, his address—part exposition, part sermon—revealed the source of widespread awe. His mantra, "I am somebody," adapted from a 1950s poem, became a powerful chant that affirmed dignity for those marginalized by society.
Jackson's tangible achievements, from Operation Push initiatives to voter-drive campaigns and presidential runs in 1984 and 1988, were significant. Yet, his mass dissemination of those three words may have been his most effective act, empowering people in a relentless fight for respect. He connected racial struggles with class issues, highlighting themes of othering, inequality, and disenfranchisement. Leaders of his caliber are rare, and their loss is deeply felt.
Diane Abbott: Learning to Be a Voice for the Voiceless
I first met Rev Jesse Jackson as a new MP in the 1980s, and a photograph of us remains proudly displayed in my parliamentary office. As a protege of Martin Luther King, present at his assassination in Memphis, Jackson served as a living link to the civil rights movement's peak. His tall, commanding, and charismatic presence naturally drew attention, even from strangers.
Over three decades of friendship, I learned invaluable lessons from him. His bravery, in the face of life-threatening risks, inspired me to show courage in my own work. He emphasized the importance of sticking to principles and never forgetting to advocate for those without a voice. Based in Chicago's South Side, Jackson was also a great internationalist, traveling worldwide to preach racial justice in his distinctive southern style.
Our last meeting in 2021 at a Paris conference on racism underscored his enduring commitment. Unconstrained by political parties, he stood as the civil rights figure of his era, carrying forward King's legacy. It was a profound privilege to know him.
Nadine White: Making Black History Tangible and Real
Rev Jesse Jackson's name lingered in my consciousness long before I grasped his significance. My first encounter came in a school history lesson in the early 2000s, where the US civil rights movement was briefly mentioned, with Martin Luther King as the focal point. Curiosity led me home to dial-up internet, where I discovered Jackson's role—he was with King in Memphis on the night of his assassination.
This detail sparked a deeper exploration into Jackson's life and the broader network of Black thinkers, organizers, and artists like John Lewis, James Baldwin, and Nina Simone. My mother's influence, through reggae music and a portrait of Marcus Garvey, had already shown me that these struggles spanned continents and generations.
Jackson's presence bridged worlds, from his pulpit to popular culture, appearing in cartoons like South Park and news coverage of Barack Obama's election. For me, he represented continuity, proving that history is lived, felt, and carried forward by real people. He connected past sacrifices to present possibilities, reminding us that progress is fought for, held onto, and handed down.
In summary, Rev Jesse Jackson's legacy as a civil rights icon endures through his oratory, organizing, and unwavering advocacy. Our panel's reflections highlight his role in empowering marginalized communities, bridging historical divides, and inspiring future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.
