Political leaders nationwide are paying tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson and remembering him not only for his trailblazing human rights activism, but also for his historic bid for the presidency. His impact in the sphere of racial justice inspired generations of activists to forge their own campaigns, and that includes New York’s politicos.
“As a daughter of Caribbean immigrants and a public servant representing the vibrant, diverse communities of Brooklyn, I have long stood on the shoulders of Rev. Jackson’s courage and conviction,” said Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). “He showed us what fearless advocacy looks like, and the sacrifice it entails. He taught us that justice requires persistence, faith, and an unshakable belief in the power of the people. Well done, thy good and faithful servant. May he rest in eternal power.” In 2018, the CBC Foundation presented Jackson and his wife, Jacqueline, with the prestigious Phoenix Award for Lifetime Achievement for their decades of service in advancing civil rights and social justice.
Clarke added that her prayers are with Jackson’s family, including his son, Rep. Jonathan Jackson of Illinois. Jackson inspired seasoned politicians and people in the early years of their political careers alike, including those who have risen to one of the most important offices in the country. “Today we mourn the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a giant of the civil rights movement who never stopped demanding that America live up to its promise,” posted Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “He marched, he ran, he organized and he preached justice without apology. May we honor him not just in words, but in struggle.”
Jackson’s two presidential campaigns, in 1984 and 1988, were groundbreaking. He helped register millions of voters and forged a new model for modern democracy. Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, said that Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition was “a multi-racial, multi-class” movement that shifted the political landscape. “His two presidential campaigns shifted our political landscape, offering an expansive vision of opportunity that confronts inequality and builds a true multiracial democracy,” said Tanden. “His vision remains a hallmark of progressive politics today.” It’s not an exaggeration to say that without Jackson’s ambition, the path toward becoming the first Black person to occupy the White House may not have been forged for former president Barack Obama. In a statement, Obama himself credited Jackson’s campaigns with laying the foundation for his own historic election victory as the country’s first Black president.
“Reverend Jackson also created opportunities for generations of African Americans and inspired countless more, including us,” said Obama. “Michelle got her first glimpse of political organizing at the Jacksons’ kitchen table when she was a teenager, and in his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land.
“Michelle and I will always be grateful for Jesse’s lifetime of service, and the friendship our families share. We stood on his shoulders. We send our deepest condolences to the Jackson family and everyone in Chicago and beyond who knew and loved him.” A host of New York State and city leaders also mourned the passing of Jackson.
“His voice helped shape generations of leaders and inspired countless Americans to believe that change is possible,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “We honor his legacy by continuing the work — advancing justice; protecting voting rights; expanding opportunity; and ensuring that every community is seen, heard, and valued. May he rest in power, and may his inspiration keep hope alive.”
Brooklyn Party Boss and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson. A towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement who stood shoulder to shoulder with other legendary leaders in the fight for justice, equality, and the advancement of African Americans.”
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams pointed to Jackson’s sit-in protests and founding of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. “Reverend Jackson helped to drive the movement for decades, with each march or boycott or campaign a leg in the longer journey of the ongoing Civil Rights Movement,” Williams said. “He devoted his life’s work to the liberation of oppressed peoples in many aspects of society. A tireless and dynamic warrior.”
Staten Island’s Assemblymember Charles Lavine said he was privileged to meet Jackson at a fair housing conference and will always remember his graciousness and dedication. “He was a great man who fought to make a better America. Now, perhaps more than ever, we must build on his legacy and continue to bravely fight for social change,” said Lavine.
Across the Hudson, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka recalled witnessing Jackson’s historic presidential run as a teen. “Jesse’s life altered history and left us a lasting legacy,” said Baraka. “He shouted, marched, strategized, organized, and inspired throughout the Civil Rights Movement. His impact will forever be felt, but most importantly, he was a friend to my father and our family. I will always remember their rallying cry: ‘It’s Nation Time!’”
Savannah, Ga., Mayor Van R. Johnson II, who also serves as president of the African American Mayors Association, said he and many like him were also affected by Jackson’s campaigns and were familiar with him at their many gatherings.
“The African American Mayors Association was honored to welcome Reverend Jackson to our annual conferences, where his wisdom, passion, and unwavering commitment to empowering Black communities inspired mayors from across the nation,” said Johnson in a statement. “His two historic presidential campaigns opened the door to what is possible for Black leaders in America and became a direct inspiration for so many of us; as he said, if our minds can conceive it, if our hearts can believe it, then we know that we can achieve it.”
The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) honored Jackson at its annual National Equal Justice Awards Dinner (NEJAD) last year with the Tribute to the Spirit of Selma Award. “While we are utterly saddened by this profound loss, Rev. Jackson’s impact and legacy cannot be overstated,” said LDF President and Director-Counsel Janai Nelson in a statement. “His life’s work opened doors to political participation, expanded the bounds of what justice could look like, and inspired millions across the globe. His legacy will endure in the institutions he built, the movements he empowered, and the generations he emboldened to continue the fight for freedom.”