{{Short description|American minister, activist and politician (1941–2026)}} {{About|the civil rights activist|his son, a former U.S. representative from Illinois|Jesse Jackson Jr.||Jesse Jackson (disambiguation)}} {{pp-move}} {{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox person | honorific_prefix = {{pre-nominal styles|size=100%|Revd}} | image = Jesse Jackson, half-length portrait of Jackson seated at a table, July 1, 1983 edit.jpg | caption = Jackson in 1983 | birth_name = Jesse Louis Burns | birth_date = {{birth date|1941|10|8}} | birth_place = Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. | death_date = {{death date and age|2026|2|17|1941|10|8}} | death_place = Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | resting_place = Oak Woods Cemetery | political_party = Democratic | spouse = {{marriage|Jacqueline Brown|1962}} | children = 6, including Santita, Jesse, Jonathan, and Yusef | education = {{ubl |University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (attended) |North Carolina A&T State University (BS) |Chicago Theological Seminary (MDiv)}} | signature = Jesse Jackson signature.svg | module = {{Infobox officeholder | embed = yes | office = United States Shadow Senator<br>from the District of Columbia | term_start = January 3, 1991 | term_end = January 3, 1997 | predecessor = Seat established | successor = Paul Strauss }} }} '''Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.''' ({{né|'''Burns'''}}; October 8, 1941{{snd}}February 17, 2026) was an American civil rights activist, LGBTQ rights activist, politician, and ordained Baptist minister. A protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. and James Bevel during the civil rights movement, he became one of the most prominent civil rights leaders of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, and an ardent advocate and early supporter of LGBTQ rights in the United States. From 1991 to 1997, he served as a shadow United States senator for the District of Columbia.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson began his activism in the 1960s and founded the organizations that later merged to form the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. Expanding his work into international affairs in the 1980s, he became a vocal critic of the Reagan administration and launched a presidential campaign in 1984. Initially viewed as a fringe candidate, he finished third for the Democratic nomination behind former vice president Walter Mondale and Senator Gary Hart. He continued his activism and mounted a second presidential bid in 1988, finishing as the runner‑up for the Democratic nomination to Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis.
Jackson did not seek the presidency again, but in 1990, he was elected as the District of Columbia's shadow senator, serving one term during the H. W. Bush and Clinton administrations. Although initially critical of President Bill Clinton, he later became a supporter and friend. Jackson hosted ''Both Sides with Jesse Jackson'' on CNN from 1992 to 2000. A critic of police brutality, the Republican Party, and conservative policies, he was widely regarded as one of the most influential African‑American activists of his era.
==Early life and education== Jackson was born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina,<ref name="kinginstitute">{{cite web |title=Jackson, Jesse Louis |url=https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/jackson-jesse-louis |access-date=September 10, 2023 |publisher=Stanford University |quote=Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on 8 October 1941 to an unmarried, teenage mother.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100707050914/http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/encyclopedia/encyclopedia/enc_jackson_jesse_louis_1941/|archive-date=July 7, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> to Helen Burns,<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 7, 2015 |title=Helen Burns Jackson, mother of Jesse Jackson, dies at 92|url=https://apnews.com/domestic-news-domestic-news-general-news-45dd63debf8f4489b66b188bf00f58f7|access-date=February 27, 2026 |publisher=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref> an 18-year-old high school student, and her 33-year-old married neighbor Noah Louis Robinson.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smothers |first=Ronald |date=January 30, 1997 |title=N. L. Robinson, Jesse Jackson's Natural Father, Is Dead at 88 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/30/us/n-l-robinson-jesse-jackson-s-natural-father-is-dead-at-88.html |access-date=February 17, 2026 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331|url-access=limited}}</ref> His ancestry included Cherokee, enslaved African-Americans, Irish plantation owners, and a Confederate sheriff.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Frady|first=Marshall|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QeXuaFDq4p4C&q=jesse+jackson+irish+roots&pg=PT119|title=Jesse: The Life and Pilgrimage of Jesse Jackson|date=November 28, 2006|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-4165-4349-7|language=en}}</ref><ref>Blue Clark, ''Indian Tribes of Oklahoma: A Guide'', University of Oklahoma Press (2012), p. 75</ref> A former professional boxer, Robinson worked for a textile brokerage and was well known in the black community.<ref name="father"/><ref name="aims"/><ref name="history"/> A year after Jesse's birth, his mother married Charles Henry Jackson, a post-office maintenance worker who later adopted him.<ref name="father"/><ref name="aims"/> Jesse took his stepfather's surname, though he also maintained a close relationship with Robinson as he grew up. He said he considered both men his fathers.<ref name="father"/><ref name="aims"/>
As a child, Jesse Jackson was taunted by other children about his out‑of‑wedlock birth, and he said those experiences helped motivate him to succeed.<ref name="father"/><ref name="aims"/> Living under Jim Crow segregation laws, he was taught to go to the back of the bus and to use separate water fountains—practices he accepted until the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955.<ref name="aims"/> He attended a racially segregated school, Sterling High School in Greenville, where he was elected student class president, finished 10th in his class, and earned letters in baseball, football, and basketball.<ref name="gale2">{{cite book |chapter-url=http://gale.cengage.com/free_resources/bhm/bio/jackson_j.htm |chapter=Jesse Jackson |title=Contemporary Black Biography |volume=27 |publisher=Gale Group |year=2001 |editor-last=Henderson |editor-first=Ashyia |access-date=September 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906020523/http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/bhm/bio/jackson_j.htm |archive-date=September 6, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:The Student Government in 1964 Ayantee.jpg|thumb|Jackson (center) with members of the Student Government at North Carolina A&T, {{circa|1964}}]] After graduating from high school in 1959, Jackson rejected a contract from a minor-league professional baseball team so that he could attend the University of Illinois on a football scholarship.<ref name="Britannica"/><ref name="MSN"/> After his second semester at the predominantly white college, he transferred to North Carolina A&T, a historically black university in Greensboro, North Carolina. Accounts of the reasons for the transfer differed, though Jackson said he changed schools because racial prejudice prevented him from playing quarterback and limited his participation on a competitive public‑speaking team.<ref name="MSN"/><ref name="would"/>
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 observed that black athletes attending predominantly white colleges during the 1950s and 1960s encountered a "combination of culture shock and discrimination".<ref name="would"/> Edwards suggested that Jackson left the University of Illinois in 1960 because he had been placed on academic probation,<ref name="would"/> but the university's president reported in 1987 that Jackson's 1960 freshman transcript was clean and that he would have been eligible to re-enroll at any time.<ref name="records"/>
At A&T, Jackson played quarterback and was elected student body president.<ref name="history"/> He became active in local civil-rights protests against segregated libraries, theaters, and restaurants.<ref name="100 greatest"/> He graduated with a B.S. degree in sociology in 1964, then attended the Chicago Theological Seminary on a scholarship.<ref name="aims"/> He left the seminary in 1966, three classes short of earning his master's degree, to focus full-time on the civil rights movement.<ref name="gale2"/><ref name="degree"/> He was ordained a minister in 1968<ref>{{Cite news |last=Special to The New York Times |first= |date=May 24, 1968 |title=Emerging Rights Leader; Jesse Louis Jackson |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/05/24/archives/emerging-rights-leader-jesse-louis-jackson.html |access-date=February 17, 2026 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331|url-access=limited}}</ref> and was awarded a Master of Divinity degree by Chicago Theological Seminary in 2000, based on his previously earned credits and his subsequent work and life experience.<ref name="degree"/><ref name="masters"/>
==Civil rights activism== {{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | header_align = left/right/center | image1 = Rev jesse jackson.jpg | width1 = 275 | caption1 = Jackson speaks on a radio broadcast from the headquarters of Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) at its annual convention. July 1973, photograph by John H. White | image2 = Jesse Jackson participating in a rally, January 15, 1975.jpg | width2 = 275 | caption2 = Jackson surrounded by marchers carrying signs advocating support for the Hawkins-Humphrey Bill for full employment, January 1975 }}
===SCLC and Operation Breadbasket=== Jackson was known for commanding public attention since he first started working for Martin Luther King Jr.<ref name="pride"/> In 1965 he participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches organized by James Bevel, King, and other civil rights leaders in Alabama.<ref name="aims"/> 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.<ref name="aims"/><ref name="maverick"/> When Jackson returned from Selma, he was charged with establishing a frontline office for the SCLC in Chicago.<ref name="maverick"/>
In 1966, King and Bevel selected Jackson to head the Chicago branch of the SCLC's economic arm, Operation Breadbasket,<ref name="maverick"/><ref name="quits"/> and he was promoted to national director in 1967.<ref name="MSN"/> Operation Breadbasket had been started by the Atlanta leadership of the SCLC as a job placement agency for blacks.<ref name="chicago's"/> 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.<ref name="maverick"/><ref name="chicago's"/>
T. R. M. Howard, a 1950s proponent of the consumer boycott tactic, 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.<ref name="maverick"/> Under Jackson's direction, Operation Breadbasket held popular weekly workshops on Chicago's South Side featuring white and black political and economic leaders,<ref name="quits"/> and religious services complete with a jazz band and choir.<ref name="chicago's"/>
Jackson became involved in SCLC leadership disputes after King's assassination on April 4, 1968. When King was shot, Jackson was in the parking lot one floor below.<ref name="aims"/> He told reporters he was the last person to speak to King, and that King died in his arms, an account that several King aides who were present disputed.<ref name="aims"/> In the wake of King's death, Jackson worked on SCLC's Poor People's Campaign in Washington, D.C., and was credited with managing its 15-acre tent city, but he began to clash with Ralph Abernathy, King's successor as SCLC chairman.<ref name="chief"/><ref name="shanty"/> In 1969, ''The New York Times'' reported that several black leaders viewed Jackson as King's successor and that Jackson was one of the few black activists who was preaching racial reconciliation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Herbers |first=John |date=June 2, 1969 |title=Chicago's Operation Breadbasket Is Seeking Racial Solutions in Economic Problems |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/06/02/archives/chicagos-operation-breadbasket-is-seeking-racial-solutions-in.html |access-date=February 17, 2026 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Jackson believed a conspiracy was involved in King's murder. In 1978, he met for four hours with King's convicted assassin, James Earl Ray. He said that Ray was involved in King's assassination but did not kill him, and that others who were involved were "still walking the streets".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Frady |first1=Marshall |title=Jesse: The Life and Pilgrimage of Jesse Jackson |date=1996 |publisher=Random House |page=230}}</ref>
One notable activist involved with Operation Breadbasket who later gained greater prominence was a then-teenage Al Sharpton, who Jackson mentored early on in life and later appointed as youth director of Operation Breadbasket's Brooklyn branch in 1969.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/he-carried-history-rev-al-sharpton-speaks-on-the-passing-of-jesse-jackson/|title='He carried history,' Rev. Al Sharpton speaks on the passing of Jesse Jackson|first=Dominique|last=Jack|publisher=PIX11|date=February 17, 2026|accessdate=February 17, 2026}}</ref><ref name=statementonmentor>{{cite web|url=https://nationalactionnetwork.net/newnews/rev-sharpton-on-the-passing-of-his-mentor-rev-dr-jesse-louis-jackson/|title=Rev. Sharpton Statement on Passing of His Mentor Rev. Jackson|first=Al|last=Sharpton|publisher=National Action Network|date=February 17, 2026|accessdate=February 17, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Morrison|first=Aaron|url=https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-aeada32dbf8e001d4f52452796404162|title=Decades later, Sharpton still insists: No justice, no peace|publisher=Associated Press|date=August 26, 2020|accessdate=February 25, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902084745/https://apnews.com/6af0d92e21fe3d91ebafd88256c00014|archive-date=September 2, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
Jackson reportedly was seeking to form a coalition with whites in order to approach what were 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", he said.<ref name="chicago's"/> 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.<ref name="chicago's"/>
In the spring of 1971, Abernathy ordered Jackson to move the national office of Operation Breadbasket from Chicago to Atlanta and sought to place another person in charge of local Chicago activities, but Jackson refused to move.<ref name="quits"/> He organized the October 1971 Black Expo in Chicago, a trade and business fair to promote black capitalism and grass roots political power.<ref name="races"/> The five-day event was attended by black businessmen from 40 states, as well as politicians such as Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes, and Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. Daley's presence was seen as a testament to the growing political and economic power of blacks.<ref name="races"/>
In December 1971, Jackson and Abernathy had a complete falling out, with the split described as part of a leadership struggle between Jackson, who had a national profile, and Abernathy, whose prominence from the Civil Rights Movement was beginning to wane.<ref name="quits"/> The break began when Abernathy questioned the handling of receipts from the Black Expo, and then suspended Jackson as leader of Operation Breadbasket for not obtaining permission to form non-profit corporations.<ref name="quits"/> Al Sharpton, then youth group leader of the SCLC, left the organization to protest Jackson's treatment and formed the National Youth Movement.<ref name=DS/> Jackson, his entire Breadbasket staff, and 30 of the 35 board members resigned from the SCLC and began planning a new organization.<ref name="search"/><ref name="races2"/> ''Time'' magazine quoted Jackson as saying at that time that the traditional civil rights movement had lost its "offensive thrust".<ref name="races2"/>
===Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition===
[[File:20070906 Rainbow-PUSH Headquarters.JPG|thumb|The Rainbow/PUSH national headquarters in Kenwood, Chicago]] People United to Save Humanity (Operation PUSH) officially began operations on December 25, 1971;<ref name="races2"/> Jackson later changed the name to People United to Serve Humanity.<ref name="clearing"/> T. R. M. Howard was installed as a member of the board of directors and chair of the finance committee.<ref name="maverick"/> At its inception, Jackson planned to orient Operation PUSH toward politics and to pressure politicians to work to improve economic opportunities for blacks and poor people of all races.<ref name="races2"/> SCLC officials reportedly felt the new organization would help black businesses more than it would help the poor.<ref name="races2"/>
In 1978, Jackson called for a closer relationship between blacks and the Republican Party, telling the Party's National Committee that "Black people need the Republican Party to compete for us so we can have real alternatives... The Republican Party needs black people if it is ever to compete for national office."<ref name="wooing"/> In 1983, Jackson and Operation PUSH led a boycott of beer giant Anheuser-Busch, criticizing the level of minority employment in its distribution network. In 1996, Jackson family friend Ron Burkle introduced Anheuser-Busch CEO August Busch IV to Yusef Jackson, Jesse's son.<ref name="Jackson contacts"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-xpm-2013-11-03-ct-biz-1103-jackson-deal-20131103-story.html|title=Yusef Jackson: Beer boundaries didn't work|first=Melissa|last= Harris |first2= Ameet|last2= Sachdev|website=Chicago Tribune|date=November 3, 2013|access-date=February 25, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20180926121641/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-xpm-2013-11-03-ct-biz-1103-jackson-deal-20131103-story.html|archive-date=September 26, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1998, Anheuser-Busch chose Yusef and his brother Jonathan to head River North Sales, a Chicago beer distribution company. The ''Chicago Tribune'' noted these moves in a 2001 front-page story.<ref name="Jackson contacts">{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Sabrina L.|last2=Torriero|first2=E.A.|title=Jackson Contacts Cultivated Beer Deal|url=http://chicagotribune.com/news/printedition/article/0,2669,SAV-0104080240,FF.html|work=Chicago Tribune|date=April 8, 2001|pages=1, 16|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010421181950/http://chicagotribune.com/news/printedition/article/0,2669,SAV-0104080240,FF.html|archive-date=April 21, 2001|url-status=dead|access-date=February 25, 2026}}</ref> "There is no causal connection between the boycott in 1983 and me meeting in the middle '90s and me buying this company in 1998", Yusef said in a 2005 interview with ''Crain's Chicago Business''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Luman|first=Stuart|title=Jackson|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?article_id=24624|work=Crain's Chicago Business|date=October 17, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513190044/http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?article_id=24624|archive-date=May 13, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=February 26, 2026}}</ref>
In 1984, Jackson organized the Rainbow Coalition and resigned as president of Operation PUSH to run for president of the United States, though he remained involved as chairman of the board. PUSH's activities were described in 1987 as conducting boycotts of businesses to induce them to provide more jobs and business to blacks and as running programs for housing, social services, and voter registration. The organization was funded by contributions from businesses and individuals.<ref name="clearing"/> In early 1987, the continued existence of Operation PUSH was imperiled by debt, a fact that Jackson's political opponents used during his race for the 1988 Democratic Party nomination.<ref name="clearing"/> In the mid-1990s, the Operation PUSH and Rainbow Coalition organizations merged.<ref name="Guardian obit">{{cite news|last1=Hellmann|first=Melissa|last2=Pengelly|first2=Martin|date=February 17, 2026|title=Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader, dies aged 84|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/17/jesse-jackson-civil-rights-icon-dies|access-date=February 17, 2026}}</ref>
=== Other civil rights activism === {{Main|Greenville Eight}}
On July 16, 1960, while he was home from college, Jackson joined seven other African Americans in a sit-in at the Greenville Public Library in Greenville, South Carolina, which only allowed white people. The group was arrested for "disorderly conduct". Jackson's pastor paid their bond, the ''Greenville News'' said. DeeDee Wright, another member of the group, later said they wanted to be arrested "so it could be a test case." The Greenville City Council closed both the main library and the branch that black people used. The possibility of a lawsuit led to the reopening of both libraries September 19, also the day after the ''News'' printed a letter written by Wright.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.salisburypost.com/2018/10/23/wright-recalls-time-when-greenville-eight-were-arrested-not-celebrated/ |title=DeeDee Wright recalls the time when the 'Greenville Eight' were arrested, not celebrated |last=Wineka |first=Mark |work=Salisbury Post |date=October 23, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018}}</ref>
In 1984, Jackson and Coretta Scott King sent letters to Florida governor Bob Graham asking him to halt the scheduled execution of James Dupree Henry, a black man convicted of killing Z. L. Riley, an Orlando based civil rights leader. Jackson met with Graham, but was unable to persuade him, and Henry was executed on September 20.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112450026/jackson-asks-graham-to-stop-executions/ |title=Jackson Asks Graham To Stop Executions |first=Brian E. |last=Crowley |work=The Palm Beach Post |date=September 19, 1984 |access-date=November 3, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108065662/civil-rights-leaders-killer-executed/ |title=Civil rights leader's killer executed in electric chair |first=Marylyn |last=Kalfus |newspaper=The Tampa Tribune |date=September 21, 1984 |access-date=August 21, 2022}}</ref>
==LGBT rights activism== Jackson was an ardent advocate and early supporter of LGBT rights in the United States. While seeking the 1984 Democratic presidential nomination, he became the first person to mention gays and lesbians in a major-party convention speech when he included gays and lesbians as part of the fabric of American society in his speech to the 1984 Democratic National Convention, saying, "the lesbian, the gay [...] make up the American quilt" and "The rainbow includes lesbians and gays. No American citizen ought to be denied equal protection from the law".<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/jesse-jackson-lgbtq-rights-record|title=Remembering Jesse Jackson's longtime advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality|website=The Advocate|author=Trudy Ring|date=February 18, 2026}}</ref> In 1987, while seeking the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, Jackson was one of the leaders of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.<ref name="auto"/>
In both of his presidential campaigns, Jackson placed LGBT rights front and center in a way no presidential candidate had done before, advocating for ending employment discrimination against gay employees and for ending the ban on openly gay service members in the military.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wehoonline.com/jesse-jackson-lgbtq-legacy-west-hollywood-obituaries-missing/|title=The Obituaries Are Missing One of the Best Part of Jesse Jackson's Legacy: He Fought for Queers When Few Dared|website=WeHoOnline|author=Brian Holt|date=February 17, 2026}}</ref> In 1993, he spoke at the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation, saying: "No more homophobia. Let's respect people, protect people. Everyone is somebody".<ref name="auto"/>
In 2004, Jackson spoke out in support of same-sex marriage in a speech in Massachusetts, which had become the first state to recognize same-sex marriage, saying, "Gays deserve the right of choice to choose their own partners".<ref name="auto"/> In 2010, he gave a speech to a gay rights rally in San Francisco at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,<ref name="auto"/> which was then considering a case challenging 2008 California Proposition 8,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2010/12/08/jesse-jackson-calls-for-gay-marriage-equality/|title=Jesse Jackson calls for gay marriage equality|website=PinkNews|date=December 8, 2010}}</ref> and said:
{{blockquote|text=We stand with you today to support marriage equality and to declare that Proposition 8 must be struck down as unconstitutional. People's right to self-expression, self-determination, must be respected and affirmed. It's time to challenge ignorance, a time to break the silence and the chains of hatred, of divisive and discriminatory bigotry. Marriage is based on love and commitment—not on sexual orientation. I support the right for any person to marry the person of their choosing.
If Dr. King and our civil rights movement has taught us anything, it's the fundamental principle of that all people deserve equal protection under the law. LGBT people deserve equal rights—including marriage equality—and equal protection under the law. Discrimination against one group of people is discrimination against all of us. The state—and the courts—should not sanction discrimination.
African-Americans know too well the sting of legal, state sanctioned, constitutionally driven "second-class" citizenship—from centuries of legal slavery and Jim Crow segregation, to classified as 3/5 of a human being in the U.S. Constitution, to facing anti-miscegenation laws that prevented blacks from marrying whites.
We cannot not sit idly by while Prop. 8 seeks to target gays and lesbians for a disfavored legal status, as America's newest "second-class citizens." Our legal scholars have cited fourteen times where the Supreme Court has stated that marriage is a fundamental right of all individuals. That principle must be upheld today—for blacks and whites, for straight and gay, for ALL Americans. No group of people should be denied their fundamental constitutional liberties, like equal protection under the law, simply because of who they are.|author=Jesse Jackson|title="Keep hope alive" speech against 2008 California Proposition 8 at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco|source=from Freedom to Marry (December 6, 2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freedomtomarry.org/blog/entry/voice-for-equality-the-rev.-jesse-jackson|title=Voice for Equality: The Rev. Jesse Jackson|website=Freedom to Marry|date=December 8, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2010/12/08/speech-jesse-jacksons-call-for-gay-marriage/|title=Speech: Jesse Jackson says gays are "America’s newest second-class citizens"|website=PinkNews|date=December 8, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210083731/http://sdgln.com/news/2010/12/06/rev-jesse-jackson-lends-support-marriage-equality|archive-date=December 10, 2010|url=http://sdgln.com/news/2010/12/06/rev-jesse-jackson-lends-support-marriage-equality|title=The Rev. Jesse Jackson lends support for marriage equality|website=San Diego Gay and Lesbian News|date=December 6, 2010}}</ref>}}
In 2012, when President Barack Obama came out in support of same-sex marriage in the United States, Jackson supported him, saying "This is a bold step in the right direction for equal protection under the law for all citizens" and comparing the fight for equality for gays and lesbians and the fight for same-sex marriage to the fight for equality for blacks, the fight for interracial marriage, the fight against anti-miscegenation laws, the fight for the right for blacks to vote, and the fight against slavery.<ref name="gay marriage">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-xpm-2012-may-10-la-na-nn-jesse-jackson-gay-marriage-20120510-story.html|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson likens gay marriage push to fight over slavery|website=Los Angeles Times|first=Rene|last= Lynch|date=May 10, 2012|access-date=February 26, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20120513113252/http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-jesse-jackson-gay-marriage-20120510,0,4383818.story|archive-date=May 13, 2012|url-status=dead|url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>
==International activism== Jackson's influence extended to international matters in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1983, he traveled to Syria to secure the release of the captured American pilot 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 there. After Jackson made a dramatic personal appeal to President Hafez al-Assad, Goodman was released. The Reagan administration was initially skeptical about Jackson's trip, but after Jackson secured Goodman's release, Reagan welcomed Jackson and Goodman to the White House on January 4, 1984.<ref name="damascus"/> This helped boost Jackson's popularity as a 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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Boyd|first=Gerald M.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/29/world/jackson-back-in-us-from-cuba-with-prisoners-set-free-by-castro.html|title=Jackson back in U.S. from Cuba with prisoners set free by Castro|work=The New York Times|date=June 29, 1984|pages=A1, A6|access-date=February 24, 2026|url-access=limited|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20150313021327/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/29/world/jackson-back-in-us-from-cuba-with-prisoners-set-free-by-castro.html|archive-date=March 13, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On the eve of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Jackson went to Iraq to plead with Saddam Hussein for the release of foreign nationals held there as "human shields", securing the release of several Britons and 20 Americans.<ref name="reunites" /><ref name="pilgrimage" /><ref name="politics" />
Jackson was an outspoken advocate for the end of South Africa's racial apartheid regime, lobbying Pope John Paul II and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev against the South African government; he accompanied anti-apartheid leader (and future president) Nelson Mandela upon Mandela's release from prison.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eligon |first=John |date=February 17, 2026 |title=In Africa, Jesse Jackson Was Esteemed for His Fight Against Apartheid |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/world/africa/jesse-jackson-south-africa-apartheid.html |access-date=February 17, 2026 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331|url-access=limited}}</ref> In 1997, Jackson traveled to Kenya to meet with Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi as U.S. President Bill Clinton's special envoy for democracy to promote free and fair elections. In April 1999, during the Kosovo War and the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, he traveled to Belgrade to negotiate the release of three U.S. POWs captured on the Macedonian border while patrolling with a UN peacekeeping unit. Jackson, Serbian American congressman Rod Blagojevich, and rabbi Steven Jacobs met with then-Yugoslav president Slobodan Milošević, who later agreed to release the three men.<ref name=1999jacobsnotice>{{cite news|url=https://jewishjournal.com/old_stories/1675/|title=Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs lobbies for the release of three captive Americans|first=Tom|last=Tugend|publisher=The Jewish Journal|date=May 6, 1999|accessdate=March 6, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-03-mn-33466-story.html|title=World & Nation L.A. Delegate Recounts Emotional Meeting With Yugoslav Leader|first=Annie-Marie|last=O'Connor|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=May 3, 1999|accessdate=March 6, 2026}}</ref><ref name="frontline"/><ref name="kosovo">{{cite news|first=Susan|last=Sachs|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/world/europe/050299kosovo-prisoners.html|title=Serbs Releasing Captured U.S. Soldiers|date=May 2, 1999|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=February 25, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20131205103116/http://partners.nytimes.com/library/world/europe/050299kosovo-prisoners.html|archive-date=December 5, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/theboard.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/22/odd-moments-in-history/|title=Odd Moments in History|date=December 22, 2008|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Jackson's negotiation was not officially sanctioned by the Clinton administration and was deemed a private humanitarian mission.<ref name="kosovo" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/time/1999/05/03/jackson.html|title=Even as NATO steps up its air war and Moscow presses its diplomacy, Jesse Jackson's trip to Belgrade produces a dramatic announcement. Will it help or undermine the allied campaign?|first=Howard|last=Chua-Eoan|publisher=CNN|date=May 3, 1999|accessdate=March 6, 2026}}</ref> Despite this, Jacobs was received by the Clinton White House for his prominent role on Jackson's negotiating team.<ref name=1999jacobsnotice />
On February 15, 2003, Jackson spoke to over an estimated one million people in Hyde Park, London, at the culmination of the demonstration against the imminent invasion of Iraq by the U.S. and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/feb/15/politics.antiwar|title= Anti-war march: what the speakers said|date=February 15, 2003|work=The Guardian|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20030413075529/http://www.guardian.co.uk/antiwar/story/0,12809,896437,00.html|archive-date=April 13, 2003|url-status=dead|access-date=February 27, 2026}}</ref> In November 2004, he visited senior politicians and community activists in Northern Ireland in an effort to encourage better cross-community relations, rebuild the peace process, and restore the governmental institutions of the Belfast Agreement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jackson: Give peace a chance|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/2004/11/11/story175469.html|work=Irish Examiner|date=November 11, 2004|access-date=February 27, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20041129120749/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/2004/11/11/story175469.html|archive-date=November 29, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In August 2005, Jackson went to Venezuela to meet with President Hugo Chávez after controversial remarks by televangelist Pat Robertson 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Toothaker|first=Christopher|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050828/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/venezuela_us_jackson&printer=1|title=Rev. Jackson Lends Support to Chavez|date=August 28, 2005|publisher=Associated Press|via=Yahoo! News|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050911155421/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050828/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/venezuela_us_jackson&printer=1|archive-date=September 11, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=February 27, 2026}}</ref> In 2013, Jackson attended Chávez's funeral.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-03-08/jesse-jackson-praises-hugo-chavez-as-great-leader-at-funeral|title=Jesse Jackson Praises Hugo Chavez as 'Great Leader' at Funeral|date=March 8, 2013|first=Eric|last=Martin|publisher=Bloomberg News|url-access=subscription|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130311163534/http://www.bloomberg.com:80/news/2013-03-08/jesse-jackson-praises-hugo-chavez-as-great-leader-at-funeral.html|archive-date=March 11, 2013|access-date=February 27, 2026}}</ref> He told Wolf Blitzer that "democracies mature" and incorrectly said that the first 15 U.S. presidents owned slaves (John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, and James Buchanan did not). Jackson said the U.S. had come very far since that era.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2013/03/jesse-jackson-on-hugo-chavez-democracies-evolve-088647|title=Jackson: Venezuela will evolve|first=Katie|last=Glueck|date=March 8, 2013|publisher=Politico|access-date=February 27, 2026|url-status=dead|url-access=limited|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130312015700/http://www.politico.com/story/2013/03/jesse-jackson-on-hugo-chavez-democracies-evolve-88647.html|archive-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> 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 2005 UK general election.<ref name="black vote" />
In 2009, Jackson served as a speaker for the International Peace Foundation on the topic "Building a culture of peace and development in a globalized world".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://peace-foundation.net/speaker_previous.asp |title=International Peace Foundation – Previous speakers and artists |date=2007 |access-date=August 12, 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zenfolio.nist.ac.th/p431554045 |title=2009-04-23: Bridges – Rev. Jesse Jackson |access-date=August 12, 2017 |year=2009 |publisher=NIST International School}}</ref>
==Political activism== {{Modern liberalism US|politicians}} During the 1980s, Jackson achieved wide fame as a politician and a spokesman for civil rights issues.<ref name="aims"/>
=== 1984 presidential campaign === {{Main|Jesse Jackson 1984 presidential campaign}}
In May 1983, Jackson became the first African-American man since Reconstruction to address a joint session of the Alabama Legislature, where he said it was "about time we forgot about black and white and started talking about employed and unemployed". Art Harris saw Jackson as "testing the waters for a black presidential candidacy down South".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/05/25/jesse-jackson-preaches-a-new-politics-to-the-alabama-legislature/f95b7c91-4efc-4f68-ada4-0e9bcb7b12ae/|title=Jesse Jackson Preaches a New Politics to the Alabama Legislature|date=May 25, 1983|newspaper=Washington Post|first=Art|last=Harris}}</ref> In June, Jackson delivered a speech to 4,000 black Baptist ministers in Memphis bemoaning the fact that only one percent of American public officials were African-American despite blacks making up 12 percent of the population; the crowd responded with chants for him to "Run".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/27/us/fiery-jesse-jackson-attracting-politicians-praise-and-criticism.html|title=Fiery Jesse Jackson Attracting Politicians' Praise and Criticism|date=June 27, 1983|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Fay|last=Joyce|access-date=February 24, 2026|url-access=limited}}</ref> Jackson's address to the National Congress of American Indians and touring of southern Texas to test his appeal among Hispanics fueled speculation that he would run for president.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/17/us/jesse-jackson-seeks-wider-audience.html|title=Jesse Jackson Seeks Wider Audience|date=October 17, 1983|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Ronald|last=Smothers}}</ref>
On November 3, 1983, Jackson announced his campaign for president of the United States in the 1984 election,<ref name="jackson and white"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/04/us/jackson-declares-formal-candidacy.html|title=Jackson Declares Formal Candidacy|first=Ronald|last=Smothers|date=November 4, 1983|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=February 26, 2026|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309092714/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/04/us/jackson-declares-formal-candidacy.html|archive-date=March 9, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/11/04/jackson-launches-1984-candidacy/3a977116-21c5-4516-9f9e-15bb5798173b/|title=Jackson Launches 1984 Candidacy|first=Milton|last=Coleman|date=November 4, 1983|newspaper=The Washington Post|url-access=limited|access-date=February 26, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828100849/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/11/04/jackson-launches-1984-candidacy/3a977116-21c5-4516-9f9e-15bb5798173b/|archive-date=August 28, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> becoming the second African American (after Shirley Chisholm) to mount a nationwide campaign for president as a Democrat.<ref>{{Cite web|title=In Black America; Reverend Jesse Jackson|url=http://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-529-cc0tq5sj2p|date=December 1, 1984|access-date=November 4, 2020|website=American Archive of Public Broadcasting|language=en}}</ref> Jackson's candidacy divided support among black politicians,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1983/1116/111649.html|title=Jesse Jackson tugs at traditional political loyalty of L.A. blacks|date=November 16, 1983|website=Christian Science Monitor|first=Marshall |last=Ingwerson}}</ref> and even prominent African Americans such as Coretta Scott King,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/08/26/Coretta-Scott-King-said-today-black-leader-Jesse-Jackson/7673430718400/|title=Coretta Scott King said today black leader Jesse Jackson...|date=August 26, 1983|publisher=UPI}}</ref> who supported his right to run, refrained from endorsing him due to their belief he would not win the nomination.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/11/04/jesse-jackson-why-the-chorus-of-naysayers/8b5653e6-b79b-465d-aa6f-2acb482d33b9/|title=Jesse Jackson: Why the Chorus Of Naysayers?|first=William|last=Raspberry|date=November 4, 1983|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=February 27, 2026|url-access=limited|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160505122104/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/11/04/jesse-jackson-why-the-chorus-of-naysayers/8b5653e6-b79b-465d-aa6f-2acb482d33b9/|archive-date=May 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/14/us/naacp-eye-on-84-to-focus-on-black-voter-drive-in-the-north.html|title=N.A.A.C.P., Eye On '84, To Focus On Black Voter Drive In The North|first=Sheila|last=Rule|date=July 14, 1983|newspaper=The New York Times|quote=The possibility of a black running for President has received increasing attention, with some black leaders endorsing the concept and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, head of Operation Push, putting himself in a position for a possible bid for the Presidency. The N.A.A.C.P. has maintained that blacks should vote for the candidate who mirrors their concerns and has the chance of being elected, which would rule out support of a black at this time.|url-status=live|url-access=limited|access-date=February 27, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20150524140237/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/14/us/naacp-eye-on-84-to-focus-on-black-voter-drive-in-the-north.html|archive-date=May 24, 2015}}</ref> Among black office-holders, Jackson received the support of former Mayor of Atlanta Maynard Jackson,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/11/24/jesse-jackson-gains-endorsement-from-an-atlanta-namesake/f8745694-38d8-4cd9-842f-3f4856f8b923/|title=Jesse Jackson Gains Endorsement From an Atlanta Namesake|date=November 24, 1983|newspaper=Washington Post|author1=James Dickenson|author2=Bill Peterson}}</ref> and Mayor of Newark Kenneth A. Gibson.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/05/24/Jesse-Jackson-said-Thursday-his-unorthodox-campaign-for-the/7646454219200/|title=Jesse Jackson said Thursday his unorthodox campaign for the...|date=May 24, 1984|publisher=UPI|first=Clay F.|last=Richards}}</ref> Jackson entered the race after most prominent Democrats including Senator Gary Hart,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/18/us/hart-enters-presidential-race-stressing-new-ideas.html|title=Hart Enters Presidential Race, Stressing New Ideas|first=Howell|last=Raines|date=February 18, 1983|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> and former Vice President Walter Mondale.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/22/us/mondale-begins-his-84-campaign.html|title=Mondale Begins His '84 Campaign|first=Adam|last=Clymer|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 22, 1983 }}</ref> In December, he was endorsed by National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. chairman T. J. Jemison,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/02/us/jackson-gets-support-apparently-without-poll-of-the-group.html|title=Jackson Gets Support, Apparently Without Poll Of The Group|date=December 2, 1983|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Howell|last=Raines}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/12/02/jackson-gets-backing-of-black-church-head/6e81c7a9-2eb2-4199-bbe3-1d152aa59ef7/ |title=Jackson Gets Backing Of Black Church Head|date=December 2, 1983|newspaper=Washington Post|author1=Martin Schram|author2=James R. Dickenson}}</ref> and lost the endorsement of the Alabama Democratic Conference, the largest black political organization in Alabama, to Mondale.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/12/12/Jackson-down-but-not-out/2434440053200/|title=Jackson: down but not out|date=December 12, 1983|first=David|last=Tortorano|publisher=UPI}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/12/11/mondale-wins-endorsement-of-now-black-alabama-democrats/d80e5911-f160-43ff-ae76-7454ea59b89b/|title=Mondale Wins Endorsement of NOW, Black Alabama Democrats|date=December 11, 1983|first=Dan|last=Balz|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>
In January, Jackson participated in the first Democratic debate in Hanover, New Hampshire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/01/15/Democrats-meet-in-debate/5604442990800/|title=Democrats meet in debate|date=January 15, 1984|publisher=UPI|first=Clay F.|last=Richards}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1984/0119/011938.html|title=Prelude to a primary|first=George B.|last=Merry|date=January 19, 1984|website=Christian Science Monitor}}</ref> Although Jackson campaign issues coordinator Frank Watkins said the campaign did not "have to spend but a moment's time on how to utilize TV, because he understands that better than any of the other candidates and most of their media advisers",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/12/us/8-democrats-are-enticed-into-a-no-rules-debate.html|title=8 Democrats are enticed into a no-rules debate|first=Dudley|last=Clendinen|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 12, 1984 }}</ref> his performance was criticized for being "either wrong or uninformed".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/01/18/time-to-pay-attention-to-the-content-of-what-jacksons-saying/04e8f5f7-2168-4198-9278-75be85bbe53c/|title=Time to Pay Attention to the Content of What Jackson's Saying|date=January 18, 1984|first=Richard|last=Cohen|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> Neither Jackson or Senator Fritz Hollings campaigned prolifically in Iowa ahead of the Iowa caucuses,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/19/us/candidates-facing-first-major-test-in-iowa-caucuses.html|title=Candidates facing first major test in Iowa caucuses|first=Howell|last=Raines|date=February 19, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times|quote=Neither Senator Ernest F. Hollings of South Carolina nor the Rev. Jesse Jackson has competed vigorously in Iowa.}}</ref> which Mondale won.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/02/20/mondale-keeps-lead-in-iowa/9cce8ca3-2f21-44ca-8404-bcd29b020012/|title=Mondale Keeps Lead In Iowa|date=February 20, 1984|first=Bill|last=Peterson|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/02/21/Walter-Mondale-shifting-his-campaign-to-New-Hampshire-after/5696446187600/|title=Walter Mondale, shifting his campaign to New Hampshire after...|first=Laurence J.|last=McQuillan|publisher=UPI}}</ref> Jackson took part in the February 24 League of Women Voters-sponsored debate,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/02/24/democratic-candidates-crowd-main-street-of-manchester-nh/879f0137-dd0e-4649-b1c5-0ad3cc977573/|title= Democratic Candidates Crowd Main Street of Manchester, N.H.|first=Martin|last=Schram|date=February 24, 1984|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> and ''The New York Times'' wrote that Jackson "provided the most dramatic exchange of the 90-minute program when Barbara Walters, the ABC News interviewer who was the moderator, asked him if he had made anti-Semitic statements, including referring to Jews as 'Hymies.'"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/24/us/democrats-vie-for-position-in-calm-mannerly-debate.html|title=Democrats Vie for Position In Calm, Mannerly Debate|date=February 24, 1984|first=Howell|last=Raines|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Hart defended Jackson as having "no derogatory feelings in his soul";<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/02/27/Sen-Gary-Hart-confident-of-a-second-place-finish-in/3951446706000/|title=Sen. Gary Hart, confident of a second-place finish in...|first=Richard|last=March|date=February 27, 1984|publisher=UPI}}</ref> Hart won the New Hampshire primary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/29/us/hart-scores-upset-with-41-in-new-hampshire-primary-mondale-at-29-glenn-13.html|title=Hart Scores Upset With 41% In New Hampshire Primary; Mondale At 29%, Glenn 13%|date=February 29, 1984|first=Howell|last=Raines|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref>
At the end of February, Jackson announced his supporters would file a lawsuit against state election rules that he deemed racially motivated, specifically targeting "dual registration" and "second primaries".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/02/29/Jesse-Jackson-campaigning-for-the-March-17-Mississippi-caucuses/9737446878800/|title=Jesse Jackson, campaigning for the March 17 Mississippi caucuses,...|first=Matthew C.|last=Quinn|date=February 29, 1984|publisher=UPI}}</ref> Jackson, Mondale, and Hart took part in the March 28 debate,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/04/01/Mondale-and-Hart-battle-to-wire-in-New-York-primary/7843449643600/|title=Mondale and Hart battle to wire in New York primary|first=Clay F.|last=Richards|date=April 1, 1984|publisher=UPI}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1984/03/29/debating-politics-in-the-round/7f4e36b3-c330-4d35-bef7-e11ad3ce357e/|title=Debating Politics in The Round|date=March 29, 1984|first=Tom|last=Shales|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> where Jackson interjected as Mondale and Hart argued over Central American policy. Jackson's reply, according to Howell Raines, "won him the only bursts of applause from an audience of 200 people at the Low Memorial Library who witnessed what was almost certainly the most tense of the debates."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/29/us/hart-and-mondale-clash-repeatedly-in-sixth-debate.html|title=Hart and Mondale Clash Repeatedly in Sixth Debate|date=March 29, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Jackson won the April 15 primary in his home state of South Carolina with 34.4 percent of the vote,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/15/us/campaign-notes-jackson-wins-delegatesin-south-carolina-tally.html|title=Campaign Notes; Jackson Wins Delegates In South Carolina Tally|date=April 15, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> receiving twice as many delegates as Mondale and Hart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/03/26/Jesse-Jackson-candidate-with-most-South-Carolina-votes/2196449125200/|title=Jesse Jackson candidate with most South Carolina votes|first=David F.|last=Kern|date=March 26, 1984|publisher=UPI}}</ref> At the start of May, Jackson won the District of Columbia and Louisiana primaries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/02/us/jackson-winner-in-capital-for-first-clearcut-victory.html|title=Jackson Winner in Capital for First Clearcut Victory|first=Ben A.|last=Franklin|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 2, 1984 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/06/us/jackson-takes-louisiana-vote-in-low-turnout.html|title=Jackson Takes Louisiana Vote In Low Turnout|first=Phil|last=Gailey|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 6, 1984 }}</ref> More Virginia caucus-goers supported Jackson than any other candidate,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/25/us/jackson-advances-on-mondale-lead.html|title=Jackson Advances On Mondale Lead|first=Gerald M.|last=Boyd|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 25, 1984|quote=Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale held a slim lead in delegate strength in the opening round of Virginia's Democratic caucuses over the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was ahead in the popular vote in one of his strongest showings to date. Results were in for 2,349 of the 2,500 delegates to state Congressional District conventions when Democratic Party officials stopped tabulating votes tonight. Mr. Mondale had 741 delegates, while Mr. Jackson had 730. Both totals came to about 29 percent of the vote. Senator Gary Hart of Colorado had 433 delegates, or 17 percent. Mr. Jackson led in the popular vote with 6,061. Mr. Mondale had 5,534 votes, and Mr. Hart 3,700. There were 2,403 uncommitted votes.}}</ref> but Mondale won more Virginia delegates.<ref>{{cite news|title=Keeping 'Em Corralled|last=Beck|first=Melinda|work=Newsweek|date=April 16, 1984}}</ref>
Jackson received the most black support of any candidate in the Georgia, Alabama, and Florida primaries, where massive registration drives targeted at black voters led to a 69 percent increase in voter turnout from 1980 in Georgia and Alabama.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/03/14/black-voters-back-jackson-aid-mondale/0fa355a5-0288-44e2-ba77-155e253e64e0/|title= Black Voters Back Jackson, Aid Mondale|date=March 14, 1984|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> A March 1984 Washington Post-ABC News poll found Jackson in third place with 20 percent support, behind Mondale and Hart with 39 and 32 percent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/03/31/mondale-hart-clash-over-latin-policies-harshness-of-rhetoric/40f47d50-0183-4a9b-aafb-1c03b6950781/|title=Mondale, Hart Clash Over Latin Policies, Harshness of Rhetoric|date=March 31, 1984|newspaper=Washington Post|author1=Dan Balz|author2=David S. Broder}}</ref> "By achieving unexpected success in some early primaries and caucuses, Mr. Jackson has apparently unified and raised the expectations of black voters," Raines wrote before noting that his support was based "almost entirely on a minority vote" and pondering whether Jackson had the ability to reach white voters and whether whites were willing to vote for black candidates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/29/us/standing-of-jackson-increases-in-poll.html|title=Standing Of Jackson Increases In Poll|first=Howell|last=Raines|date=April 29, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> ''The Washington Post'' credited Jackson with drawing "thousands of black Americans into the political process for the first time", shaking the Democratic Party's status quo, and "inspiring black pride generally by his strong showing in many primaries and his performances in candidate debates."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/04/20/blacks-for-mondale-face-jackson-factor/7c6c4412-f055-4ace-bada-9ed9ed7e6803/|title=Blacks for Mondale Face 'Jackson Factor'|date=April 20, 1984|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> Chairman of the D.C. Democratic State Committee Theodis Gay said that Jackson's campaign "puts blacks in particular back in touch with an identity—a feeling of self-worth and of hope."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/04/29/jackson-drive-puts-blacks-back-in-touch/21b30ecf-0f23-461b-8517-656fcd81d066/|title=Jackson Drive Puts Blacks 'Back in Touch'|date=April 29, 1984|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> Overall, Jackson received three-quarters of the black vote in the Democratic primary. A ''New York Times''/CBS News Poll found that black Democrats preferred Mondale to Jackson as the Democratic nominee by a margin of 5 to 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/10/us/black-democrats-in-a-poll-prefer-mondale-to-jackson-as-nominee.html|title=Black Democrats In A Poll Prefer Mondale To Jackson As Nominee|date=July 10, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times|first=David E. |last=Rosenbaum}}</ref>
In May, Jackson complained that he had won 21% of the popular vote<ref name=may>{{cite news|title=Manatt, Jackson to Confer Again on Vote-Delegate Disparity|author-link=Juan Williams|last=Williams|first= Juan|date=May 22, 1984|newspaper=The Washington Post|at=The primaries lasted through June 12, and the final percentage has been calculated as 18.09%}}</ref> but was awarded only 9% of the delegates. He said afterward that he had been handicapped by party rules. While Mondale (in the words of his aides) was determined to establish a precedent by picking a woman or a visible minority as his vice-presidential candidate, Jackson criticized the screening process as a "p.r. parade of personalities". He mocked Mondale, saying that Hubert Humphrey was the "last significant politician out of the St. Paul–Minneapolis" area.<ref name="trying"/> In the June 5 primaries, Jackson ran third behind Mondale and Hart in each state,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/06/nyregion/mondale-wins-jersey-race-by-wide-margin-over-hart-california-voters-are-split.html|title=Mondale Wins Jersey Race By Wide Margin Over Hart; California Voters Are Split|date=June 6, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Howell|last=Raines}}</ref> and Mondale's victories left him with enough delegates to be considered the presumptive nominee.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/06/07/democrats-rally-to-bid-by-mondale/992c7f80-ce95-4bb4-84ae-3d857a88b423/|title=Democrats Rally to Bid By Mondale|date=June 7, 1984|newspaper=Washington Post|first=David S.|last=Broder}}</ref> Mondale signaled his desire to telephone both Hart and Jackson for party unity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/07/us/mondale-to-call-his-two-rivals-for-nomination.html|title=Mondale To Call His Two Rivals For Nomination|date=June 7, 1984|first=Bernard|last=Weinraub|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> In an address to supporters at the Operation PUSH headquarters, Jackson said that fairness had not been achieved and that he was entitled to help choose both Mondale's running mate and his cabinet in the event he defeated Reagan in November.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/07/01/jackson-says-he-cant-cut-a-deal-for-party-unity/c0dc5a2a-9bc9-4376-bddc-f5bdbce988e9/|title=Jackson Says He Can't 'Cut a Deal' for Party Unity|first=Eric|last=Pianin|date=July 1, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> On July 4, Jackson and Mondale met at the Radisson Muehlebach Hotel for more than two hours. Mondale called the meeting "successful", while Jackson said it was "not complete because there are unresolved matters", though he said that he expected to support Mondale if he was the nominee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/04/us/mondale-and-jackson-are-upbeat-after-meeting-despite-differences.html|title=Mondale and Jackson Are Upbeat After Meeting Despite Differences|first=Bernard|last=Weinraub|date=July 4, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Mondale ruled out Jackson as a running mate, citing "sufficient differences between Reverend Jackson and myself".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/12/us/mondale-says-he-won-t-run-with-jackson.html|title=Mondale Says He Won't Run with Jackson|date=July 12, 1984|first=Howell|last=Raines|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/07/12/mondale-seeking-to-distance-jackson/6e6479b2-a813-45c1-ad16-2e973ff3ccc8/|title=Mondale Seeking To Distance Jackson|date=July 12, 1984|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>
Jackson addressed the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco on July 17, 1984, where he delivered his famous "Rainbow Coalition" speech. It was the first speech at a national convention to mention gays and lesbians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Alex |title=How Jesse Jackson helped bring gay rights to the Democratic mainstream |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/02/jesse-jackson-helped-mainstream-gay-rights-democratic-party/ |access-date=February 17, 2026 |website=LGBTQ Nation |language=en}}</ref> Jackson said,
<blockquote>America is not like a blanket—one piece of unbroken cloth, the same color, the same texture, the same size. America is more like a quilt: many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sizes, all woven and held together by a common thread. The white, the Hispanic, the black, the Arab, the Jew, the woman, the native American, the small farmer, the businessperson, the environmentalist, the peace activist, the young, the old, the lesbian, the gay, and the disabled make up the American quilt.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Following is the text of Jesse Jackson's speech to... – UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/07/17/Following-is-the-text-of-Jesse-Jacksons-speech-to/9698458884800/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref></blockquote>
It also featured an apology alluding to comments he made which were considered derogatory to Jews and "answered the longstanding question of his loyalty to the party in the general election".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/18/us/jackson-delivers-impassioned-plea-for-unified-party.html|title=Jackson Delivers Impassioned Plea for Unified Party|date=July 18, 1984|first=Howell|last=Raines|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> He added: "Even in our fractured state, all of us count and all of us fit somewhere. We have proven that we can survive without each other. But we have not proven that we can win and progress without each other. We must come together."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/18/us/excerpts-from-jackson-to-convention-delegates-for-unity-in-party.html| title=Excerpts From Jackson To Convention Delegates For Unity In Party | newspaper=The New York Times | date=July 18, 1984}}</ref>
During the convention, Jackson's proposals to ban runoff primaries, decrease defense spending, and pledge the U.S. would not use nuclear weapons first were voted down from the party platform. In spite of this, Jackson reiterated his support for the Democrats, saying that while they could afford to lose the vote, they could not afford to "avoid raising the right questions. Our self-respect and our moral integrity were at stake. Our heads are perhaps bloody, but unbowed. Our back is straight and our vision is clear."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/07/17/The-Democratic-National-Convention-approving-its-1984-platform-Tuesday/6617458884800/|title=The Democratic National Convention, approving its 1984 platform, Tuesday...|first=Don|last=Phillips|date=July 17, 1984|publisher=UPI}}</ref> On August 29, Jackson met with Mondale again and afterward declared that he had "embraced the mission and support the Mondale-Ferraro candidacy with great fervor" but also that he would "always reserve the right to challenge" Mondale.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/08/29/jackson-promises-mondale-intense-election-support/66a9ef12-7359-40f7-873f-8d1108539065/|title=Jackson Promises Mondale 'Intense' Election Support|date=August 29, 1984|newspaper=Washington Post|author1=David S. Broder|author2=Milton Coleman}}</ref> By September, Jackson had introduced Mondale to the National Baptist Convention and the Congressional Black Caucus, and had gone from a political liability to "mostly a plus for the Democratic ticket, with few minuses".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/23/us/democrats-concerns-about-role-of-jackson-appear-to-fade.html|title=Democrats' Concerns About Role Of Jackson Appear To Fade|date=September 23, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Ronald|last=Smothers}}</ref> Reagan defeated Mondale in a landslide in the general election,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/07/politics/reagan-wins-by-a-landslide-sweeping-at-least-48-states-gop-gains.html|title=Reagan Wins by a Landslide, Sweeping at Least 48 States; G.O.P. Gains Strength in House|date=November 7, 1984|first=Howell|last=Raines|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/11/07/reagan-wins-reelection-in-landslide-largest-electoral-college-total-ever/894b05ad-417d-41c3-8c98-d1bdfefae901/|title=Reagan Wins Reelection in Landslide, Largest Electoral College Total Ever|date=November 7, 1984|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> and Thomas Cavanagh of the Joint Center for Political Studies noted that all black challengers lost their elections despite expectations that Jackson's presidential candidacy would increase turnout in their favor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/11/14/Black-vote-decisive-in-state-local-races/1213111972884/|title=Black vote decisive in state, local races|first=Robert|last=Shepard|date=November 14, 1984|publisher=UPI}}</ref>
=== Activity between presidential campaigns === In January 1985, concurrent with the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/01/20/us/for-visitors-fun-politics-and-protests.html|title=For Visitors, Fun, Politics and Protests|first=Seth S.|last=King|date=January 20, 1985|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1985/0121/afest.html|title=Inauguration '85. Reaganites kick up their cowboy-booted heels|date=January 21, 1985|first=Louise|last=Sweeney|website=Christian Science Monitor}}</ref> Jackson led several hundred supporters in a procession through downtown Washington to the grounds of the Washington Monument. He stressed that they needed to "keep alive the hopes of those who have fallen through the safety net" and challenge America "to protect the poor".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1985/01/20/jackson-supporters-stage-protest-march/1cf4549e-3936-46ea-aef7-8fc09f6c4c70/|title=Jackson, Supporters Stage Protest March|first=Karlyn|last=Barker|date=January 20, 1985|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> In April, Jackson led a rally to protest the sale of an elderly farmer's form to Kearney Trust Co. outside the Clinton County Courthouse, where he called the gathering of farmers, union labor members, ministers, and urban blacks from Kansas City "a rainbow coalition for economic justice".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/04/08/The-Rev-Jesse-Jackson-saying-the-nation-needed-more/9027481784400/|title=The Rev. Jesse Jackson, saying the nation needed more...|first=Toni|last=Cardarella|date=April 8, 1985|publisher=UPI}}</ref> In June, Mayor of the District of Columbia Marion Barry introduced Jackson at the Winston Elementary School, where Jackson said that the "number one threat to the development of this generation is drugs".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1985/07/09/jackson-urges-city-teens-to-say-no-to-drugs/e020744c-2f1f-4c23-8d95-9394550ffcb3/|title=Jackson Urges City Teens To 'Say No to Drugs'|first=Laurel E.|last=Miller|date=July 9, 1985|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>
In June 1986, Jackson delivered a commencement speech at Medgar Evers College in which he bemoaned that many young people were "experiencing an ethical collapse, a spiritual withdrawal, and escaping this reality through drugs, alcohol, sex without love, making unwanted babies and turning on each other with violence".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/15/nyregion/jackson-to-class-tells-of-injustice.html|title=Jackson, to Class, Tells of Injustice|first=Sara|last=Rimer|date=June 15, 1986|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Later that month, after basketball player Len Bias died from cardiac arrest stemming from "cocaine intoxication", Jackson and Representative Charles Rangel called for Reagan to announce a nationwide war on drugs and seek increased funding of federal anti-drug education programs in public schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/06/25/The-Rev-Jesse-Jackson-and-the-chairman-of-a/2739520056000/|title=The Rev. Jesse Jackson and the chairman of a...|first=Will|last=Dunham|date=June 25, 1986|publisher=UPI}}</ref>
During the 1987 Chicago mayoral election, Jackson led an effort to get Chairman Paul G. Kirk to meet with the Cook County party leaders in Chicago to prevent the campaign's deterioration and avoid "dissension and splintering of the Democratic vote". Jackson and his supporters charged that Chicago Democrats would do anything to prevent Harold Washington from being reelected, including campaigning for his Republican challenger.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/11/22/The-Democratic-executive-committee-rejecting-demands-by-Jesse-Jackson/5141533019600/|title=The Democratic executive committee, rejecting demands by Jesse Jackson,...|date=November 22, 1986|first=Steve|last=Gerstel|publisher=UPI}}</ref>
=== 1988 presidential campaign === {{Main|Jesse Jackson 1988 presidential campaign}}
thumb|Jesse Jackson campaigning in San Francisco 1988 By early 1986, there was speculation that Jackson would run for president again in 1988.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1986/04/23/can-democrats-live-with-jesse-jackson/9d8c3093-e6d4-4538-b6ef-f4e5f2efa3e9/|title=Can Democrats Live with Jesse Jackson...|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 23, 1986|first=David S.|last=Broder|quote=Jackson has a well-earned reputation as a seat-of-the-pants operator, able to stir crowds to near-frenzy but incapable of building a structure that can survive in his absence. What was he doing talking Harvard Business School jargon? The answer is that he is "moving on up," as he likes to say. He is making ready a vehicle more substantial than the jerry-built network of preachers and activists he mobilized in 1984, for what will almost surely be another presidential candidacy in 1988.}}</ref> In March 1987, he formed an exploratory committee, making him the second potential candidate to do so, after Gary Hart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/03/19/us/jackson-forms-a-panel-to-explore-a-1988-bid.html|title=Jackson Forms a Panel to Explore a 1988 Bid|date=March 19, 1987|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> By April 1987, after previously having spent "all of half a day" in Iowa, Jackson had spent six days there throughout the year and moved his office to the rural part of the state instead of Des Moines. He stressed that farmers and businessmen were akin to unemployed blacks in being negatively affected by the Reagan administration's economic policies.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1987/04/20/jackson-running-a-mainstream-campaign/d68bcc93-b995-4a33-86f8-661044c1f7e6/|title=Jackson Running a Mainstream Campaign|first=Edward|last=Walsh|date=April 20, 1987|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> In July, Jackson met with former Governor of Alabama George Wallace for half an hour, calling the former segregationist "one of the most forward of any governor across the South in terms of the sharing of appointments with blacks and whites and women, and the tone of the administration had changed". The meeting was seen as Jackson testing support for a presidential bid.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/07/20/Jesse-Jackson-meets-with-Wallace/2579553752000/|title=Jesse Jackson meets with Wallace|date=July 20, 1987|first=Bruce|last=Ritchie|publisher=UPI}}</ref> In September, Jackson attended a presidential candidates forum; he embraced the Congressional Black Caucus's positions on education, employment, and defense, and was greeted with chants of "Run Jesse Run" and "Win Jesse Win".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1987/09/27/4-democrats-endorse-black-caucus-agenda/6ccd3a34-85f3-4c1e-a9d3-fe07d89b7b95/|title=4 Democrats Endorse Black Caucus Agenda|date=September 27, 1987|newspaper=Washington Post|first=Gwen|last=Ifill}}</ref>
[[File:Trotter, anderson and jackson.jpg|thumb|267px|Jesse Jackson (right) with Curt Anderson (center) and Decatur "Bucky" Trotter (left) during a Maryland Legislative Black Caucus meeting in Annapolis, Maryland (1988)]] On October 11, 1987, Jackson announced his candidacy in the 1988 presidential election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/11/us/jackson-makes-formal-bid-for-presidency-in-1988.html|title=Jackson Makes Formal Bid for Presidency in 1988|first=David E.|last=Rosenbaum|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 11, 1987 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1987/10/11/jackson-opens-88-bid-atop-democratic-polls/353d816d-cf34-4833-bb37-3c18511ace79/|title=Jackson Opens '88 Bid Atop Democratic Polls|first=Paul|last=Taylor|date=October 11, 1987|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1987/10/11/jesse-jackson-throws-hat-in-ring-candidate-for-democratic-nomination-says-nation-needs-leadership/|title=Jesse Jackson Throws Hat In Ring Candidate For Democratic Nomination Says Nation Needs Leadership|date=October 11, 1987|work=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref> At the time of his announcement, polling showed that he led in nine of the 12 Southern states that would hold primaries or caucuses in March and led the Democratic field at 27 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/04/us/poll-shows-jackson-and-bush-holding-solid-leads-in-the-south.html|title=Poll Shows Jackson and Bush Holding Solid Leads in the South|date=October 4, 1987|newspaper=The New York Times|first= Ronald|last=Smothers}}</ref> In November, Jackson announced that Speaker of the California State Assembly Willie Brown would serve as his campaign chairman while political strategist Gerald Austin became his campaign manager.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/14/us/jackson-names-2-to-lead-campaign.html|title=Jackson Names 2 To Lead Campaign|first=Isabel|last=Wilkerson|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 14, 1987 }}</ref> Later that month, Jackson announced he would stop his tour of the Persian Gulf to attend the funeral of his friend, Mayor of Chicago Harold Washington,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/11/25/Democratic-presidential-candidate-Jesse-Jackson-decided-to-cut-short/4197564814800/|title=Democratic presidential candidate Jesse Jackson decided to cut short...|date=November 25, 1987|publisher=UPI|first=Daniel J.|last=Silva}}</ref> before changing his mind.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1987/11/26/chicago-mayor-washington-suffers-fatal-heart-attack/041e46b3-45d5-4a43-ac55-d9dd12af9e6c/|title=Chicago Mayor Washington Suffers Fatal Heart Attack|date=November 26, 1987|newspaper=Washington Post|first=Bill|last=Peterson}}</ref>
Jackson's campaign platform included a call for a single-payer system of universal health care;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/23/us/jackson-calls-for-a-national-health-care-plan.html|title=Jackson Calls for a National Health Care Plan|first=Bernard|last=Weinraub|date=June 23, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> higher taxes on the wealthy and defense spending cuts intended to reduce federal budget deficits and increase education, housing, welfare, and childcare spending;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1988/06/01/jackson-program-gives-budget-debate-a-shove/bda2c82a-14d1-43de-941c-714de9c8afa5/|title=Jackson Program Gives Budget Debate A Shove|first=Robert J.|last=Samuelson|newspaper=Washington Post|date=May 31, 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/24/us/jackson-offers-budget-plan-as-blueprint-for-democrats.html|title=Jackson Offers Budget Plan as Blueprint for Democrats|first=Bernard|last=Weinraub|date=May 24, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/26/us/jackson-rebuffed-on-tax-increases.html|title=Jackson Rebuffed on Tax Increases|date=June 26, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times|first=David E.|last=Rosenbaum}}</ref> an executive order to ban discrimination against gays and lesbians in federal agencies, the army, and to recognize gay couples for spousal benefits;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gross |first=Jane |date=April 13, 1988 |title=Campaign Stirs Conflicts Among Gay Voters |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/13/us/campaign-stirs-conflicts-among-gay-voters.html |access-date=February 17, 2026 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> reducing the supply and flow of drugs into communities;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/06/03/in-watts-jackson-focuses-on-drug-problems-roots/67500340-330e-4f9d-b44b-47ebd1211b49/|title=In Watts, Jackson Focuses on Drug Problem's Roots|date=June 3, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post|first=Gwen|last=Ifill}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-03-mn-4646-story.html|title=Jackson Carries Words of Hope to Mean Streets|date=June 3, 1988|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|author1=Karen Tumulty|author2=George Ramos}}</ref> the creation of a domestic version of the World Bank called the "American Investment Bank" that would have the authority to sell government bonds to rebuild American infrastructure;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/17/us/tracking-votes-candidates-step-up-drive-tuesday-s-new-york-primary-jesse-jackson.html|title=Tracking Votes: Candidates Step Up Drive in Tuesday's New York Primary Jesse Jackson; From Civil Rights to Infrastructure; Still Marching|date=April 17, 1988|first=Marueen|last=Dowd|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/03/18/jackson-details-pension-loan-plan/62f8575b-ed3f-4f9e-a7e8-d21436152f42/|title=Jackson Details Pension Loan Plan|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Gwen|last=Ifill|date=March 18, 1988|quote=The plan, which in some quarters has been deemed a simplistic and potentially expensive remedy for social ills, calls for local and state governments to choose projects that would be funded with pension monies. Participation in the scheme by trustees of pension funds would be voluntary. Employees' savings, Jackson said, would be protected through a system of federal guarantees and leveraged through a domestic version of the World Bank and "a very different relationship with the Soviet Union" involving a constructive partnership.}}</ref> suspending the development of new nuclear weapons in order to eventually ban them altogether;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1988/04/17/democrats-and-the-bomb/3e8e5e0f-825c-4acd-bfac-6520863f205b/|title=Democrats and the Bomb|first=Charles|last=Martin|date=April 17, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> and "a very different relationship with the Soviet Union" involving a constructive partnership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/25/us/change-on-soviet-urged-by-jackson.html|title=Change on Soviet Urged by Jackson|date=May 25, 1988|first=Bernard|last=Weinraub|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> In 1987, ''The New York Times'' called Jackson "a classic liberal in the tradition of the New Deal and the Great Society".<ref name="aims"/>
Jackson participated in the January 24 University of New Hampshire debate,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/01/24/new-hampshires-eyes-on-iowa/6b752ab9-9e2c-405e-92e6-4387992f4aef/|title=New Hampshire's Eyes On Iowa|first=Edward|last=Walsh|date=January 24, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/24/arts/tv-view-in-the-debates-appearance-conquers-substance.html|title= TV View; In the Debates, Appearance Conquers Substance|first=John|last=Corry|date=January 24, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> where he was noted as the "one candidate who stayed away from most of the bitter exchanges" as he assailed the Reagan administration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/01/24/The-seven-Democratic-presidential-candidates-attacked-one-another-on/3357569998800/|title=The seven Democratic presidential candidates attacked one another on...|first=Joseph|last=Mianowany|date=January 24, 1988|publisher=UPI}}</ref> In the February 8 Iowa caucus, Jackson came in fourth place behind Richard Gephardt, Paul Simon, and Michael Dukakis,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/09/us/dole-wins-in-iowa-with-robertson-next.html|title=Dole Wins in Iowa, with Robertson Next |first=E. J. Jr. |last=Dionne |date=February 9, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> though he had quadrupled his support there from his 1984 bid.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/02/09/dole-gephardt-win-iowa-caucuses/fe7fc295-c661-4e16-a61c-2427c9962465/|title=Dole, Gephardt Win Iowa Caucuses|first=Paul|last=Taylor|date=February 9, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> After losing in New Hampshire to Dukakis by a wide margin, Jackson was seen as having done "well enough to argue that he has expanded his appeal to white voters."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/17/us/bush-overcomes-dole-s-bid-and-dukakis-is-easy-winner-in-new-hampshire-primaries.html|title=Bush Overcomes Dole's Bid and Dukakis is Easy Winner in New Hampshire Primaries|date=February 17, 1988 |first=E. J. Jr. |last=Dionne |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> In the March 8 Super Tuesday contests, Jackson won Virginia, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/03/09/bush-rolls-over-gop-rivals-in-super-tuesday-contests-as-dukakis-jackson-and-gore-split-democratic-ballot/175324e3-b7f9-46ca-822f-2f3572ee13bf/|title=Bush Rolls over Gop Rivals In 'Super Tuesday' Contests As Dukakis, Jackson And Gore Split Democratic Ballot|first=Paul|last=Taylor|date=March 9, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> Party leaders saw the results as indicating the beginning of a long three-way race between Dukakis, Jackson, and Al Gore.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/10/us/after-super-tuesday-democrats-think-tuesday-s-results-mean-a-long-race.html|title=After Super Tuesday; Democrats Think Tuesday's Results Mean A Long Race|date=March 10, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times |first=R. W. Jr. |last=Apple}}</ref> As the month progressed, Jackson won Alaska,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/12/us/jackson-edges-out-dukakis-in-alaska.html|title=Jackson Edges Out Dukakis In Alaska|date=March 12, 1988|first=Hal|last=Spencer|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> South Carolina,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/03/13/jackson-wins-with-majority-in-south-carolina-caucuses/b3179850-3023-43b3-ac31-98c5b412e019/|title=Jackson Wins With Majority In South Carolina Caucuses|date=March 13, 1988|first=Thomas B.|last=Edsall|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> and Puerto Rico.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/03/21/bush-and-jackson-win-in-puerto-rico-voting/d0b4fb1f-97de-4610-a395-236fb0a1d2b6/|title=Bush And Jackson Win In Puerto Rico Voting|date=March 20, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
Jackson scored a surprising victory in the March 26 Michigan primary, defeating Dukakis in a landslide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-03-27-mn-408-story.html|title=Jackson Wins 2 to 1 in Michigan: He also Leads Dukakis in Delegates in State; Gephardt Is Distant Third|date=March 27, 1988|first=Keith|last=Love|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/03/27/jackson-triumphs-with-landslide-over-dukakis-in-michigan/78dc5f3b-fb15-4a34-a213-7515eae4b807/|title=Jackson Triumphs with Landslide over Dukakis in Michigan|first=Paul|last=Taylor|date=March 27, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/27/us/jackson-wins-easily-in-michigan-in-surprising-setback-to-dukakis.html|title=Jackson Wins Easily in Michigan in Surprising Setback to Dukakis|date=March 27, 1988 |first=R. W. Jr. |last=Apple |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> This made him the front-runner in the race and spurred party officials to actively contemplate that he could be the party's nominee after all. Former Democratic Party chairman Robert S. Strauss said that his Michigan win showed that Jackson "has a kind of power we hadn't expected" and was "a real vulnerability" for Dukakis's campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/28/us/jackson-triumph-changes-outlook-of-top-democrats.html|title=Jackson Triumph Changes Outlook of Top Democrats|first=R. W. Jr.|last=Apple |date=March 28, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Jackson participated in the March 28 debate at Fordham University,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/28/us/campaign-in-new-york-beginning-as-party-weighs-jackson-s-role.html|title=Campaign in New York Beginning as Party Weighs Jackson's Role|first=Frank|last=Lynn|date=March 28, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> where he was the only candidate greeted by applause, and stressed that government intervention could end homelessness.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/03/28/Democrats-debate-in-New-York/4043575528400/|title=Democrats debate in New York|first=Sarah|last=Raper|date=March 28, 1988|publisher=UPI}}</ref> Mayor of New York City Ed Koch supported Gore and attacked Jackson, saying that Jews "would have to be crazy" to support his campaign and that Jackson lied about his role in the aftermath of King's assassination.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/08/us/jackson-conciliatory-on-jewish-issue.html|title=Jackson Conciliatory on Jewish Issue|first=Maureen|last=Dowd|date=April 8, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/04/17/Mayor-Edward-Koch-launched-his-harshest-attack-yet-on/8453577252800/|title=Mayor Edward Koch launched his harshest attack yet on...|first=Matthew C.|last=Quinn|date=April 17, 1988|publisher=UPI}}</ref> Dukakis defeated Jackson in the New York primary,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/20/us/new-york-gives-dukakis-a-crucial-victory-jackson-far-ahead-of-gore-who-may-quit.html|title=New York Gives Dukakis A Crucial Victory; Jackson Far Ahead of Gore, Who May Quit|date=April 20, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times |first=E. J. Jr. |last=Dionne }}</ref> and a distant third-place finish led Gore to drop out of the race.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/04/21/campaigns-legacy-to-gore-experience-and-hard-feelings/6c58b116-5df9-4663-a61e-7c6946703bd3/|title=Campaign's Legacy to Gore Experience and Hard Feelings?|date=April 21, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/22/opinion/this-gore-campaign-and-the-next.html|title=This Gore Campaign, and the Next|access-date=June 29, 2009|author=((NYT editors))|series=Opinion|date=April 22, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times|archive-date=May 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513033709/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/22/opinion/this-gore-campaign-and-the-next.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/04/21/Personality-Spotlight-Albert-Gore-Jr-US-senator-ex-candidate/9147577598400/|title=Personality Spotlight: Albert Gore Jr. U.S. senator, ex-candidate|date=April 21, 1988|publisher=UPI}}</ref> Koch later apologized in a letter, expressing regret "if racial or religious friction resulted" from his comments about Jackson.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/04/28/koch-offers-regret-about-tone-of-his-attacks-on-jackson/d2782e29-3efa-42f3-b65b-74aa89450671/|title=Koch Offers 'Regret' about Tone of His Attacks on Jackson|first=Howard|last=Kurtz|newspaper=Washington Post|date=April 28, 1988}}</ref> Jackson narrowly lost the Colorado primary to Dukakis,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/06/us/dukakis-wins-in-colorado-jackson-faults-tally-delay.html|title=Dukakis Wins in Colorado; Jackson Faults Tally Delay|first=Andrew|last=Rosenthal|date=April 6, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/b6d1be05ab07f8528b1ad07c319345d9|title=Dukakis Wins Narrow Victory Over Jackson in Colorado Caucuses|date=April 5, 1988|publisher=AP News}}</ref> and was defeated handily by him in the Wisconsin primary the next day. Jackson's showing among Wisconsin's white voters was significantly better than in 1984 but also noticeably lower than pre-primary polling had predicted. The back-to-back victories established Dukakis as the front-runner.<ref name="dukakis defeats"/> Jackson and Dukakis debated each other one-on-one for the first time on April 23.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/23/us/dukakis-and-jackson-on-agreeable-terms-in-debate.html|title=Dukakis and Jackson on Agreeable Terms in Debate|first=David E.|last=Rosenbaum|date=April 23, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/04/23/debate-becomes-love-feast/f15fc55a-33cc-4687-a07f-c1b8166e5e52/|title=Debate Becomes Love Feast|date=April 23, 1988|first=Paul|last=Taylor|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> Throughout May, Dukakis won more contests, and Jackson's own staff admitted he no longer could win the nomination.<ref name = Victory>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1988/03/29/the-jackson-victory/e7464bfd-b714-4744-b4bf-96914c2053d4/|title=With Race Largely Over, Jackson Lets Up Only a Bit|date=March 29, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>
By the end of the Democratic primaries, Jackson had received 6.9 million votes and won 11 contests: seven primaries (Alabama, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, and Virginia) and four caucuses (Delaware, Michigan, South Carolina, and Vermont).<ref name="keep hope"/> The day after the last primaries, Jackson met with Dukakis and they discussed some of Jackson's platform, such as a universal same-day, on-site voter registration and changing the rules for the winner-take-all delegate allocation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/06/08/jackson-awaits-2nd-phase-of-campaign/d90d5ca1-c92d-4f4e-a73a-fa813d9ce541/|title=Jackson Awaits '2nd Phase' Of Campaign|first=Gwen|last=Ifill|date=June 8, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> Jackson felt he deserved Dukakis's consideration as a running mate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/1988/6/1/18767465/jackson-shakes-the-v-p-tree|title=Jackson Shakes The V.P. Tree|date=May 31, 1988|website=Deseret News}}</ref> Dukakis agreed, but added that Jackson was of no "special or greater consideration" simply because he finished second in the primaries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/02/us/dukakis-ponders-role-of-jackson.html|title=Dukakis Ponders Role Of Jackson|date=June 2, 1988|first=Robin|last=Toner|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Polling in April found a Dukakis–Jackson ticket would defeat Vice President George H. W. Bush, but that either alone would lose to Bush.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/03/us/dukakis-jackson-bid-beats-bush-poll-says.html|title=Dukakis-Jackson Bid Beats Bush, Poll Says|date=April 3, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Dukakis picked Senator Lloyd Bentsen as his running mate,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/13/us/dukakis-picks-bentsen-for-running-mate-texan-adds-conservative-voice-ticket.html|title=Dukakis Picks Bentsen for Running Mate; Texan Adds Conservative Voice To Ticket; A Regional Balance|date=July 13, 1988|first=Robin|last=Toner|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/07/13/Dukakis-plays-it-safe-with-veep-choice-Bentsen/6291584769600/|title=Dukakis plays it safe with veep choice Bentsen|first=Steve|last=Gerstel|publisher=UPI|date=July 13, 1988}}</ref> and Jackson responded that Dukakis had the right to use an approach "making a strategic move to solidify his organization" and that his strategy was to "keep hope alive, to keep focus in our campaign, to keep our delegates and supporters, disciplined detail and full of hope, to put forth the very best expression we can of support on Wednesday, July 20, at nomination time."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/13/us/comments-from-dukakis-bentsen-and-jackson.html|title=Comments From Dukakis, Bentsen and Jackson|date=July 13, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> The dispute between Jackson and Dukakis led Jackson to suggest former President Jimmy Carter would have to mediate their conflict,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/15/us/jackson-suggests-carter-might-heal-rift-with-dukakis.html|title=Jackson Suggests Carter Might Heal Rift With Dukakis|date=July 15, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times |first=E. J. Jr. |last=Dionne}}</ref> and they did not reach an agreement until shortly before the 1988 Democratic National Convention began.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/07/19/dukakis-jackson-talk-ushers-in-harmony-as-convention-opens/3d690303-8aa4-4564-a18d-722736846ec9/|title=Dukakis-Jackson Talk Ushers In Harmony As Convention Opens|first=David S.|last=Broder|date=July 19, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> After Dukakis was nominated, Jackson appeared with Bentsen and Dukakis at a loyalty breakfast where Dukakis told Jackson's supporters that he needed them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/07/22/Michael-Dukakis-told-the-loyal-supporters-of-Jesse-Jackson/3245585547200/|title=Michael Dukakis told the loyal supporters of Jesse Jackson...|first=Lori|last=Santos|publisher=UPI|date=July 22, 1988}}</ref> By September, former members of Jackson's campaign became involved in a dispute with the Dukakis campaign and the Michigan Democratic Party to "obtain additional jobs, power and money".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/09/25/democrats-struggle-in-michigan/0c5e3377-4467-45c7-a29a-59830ea98c5a/|title=Democrats Struggle In Michigan|date=September 25, 1988|first=Thomas B.|last=Edsall|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>
According to a November 1987 ''New York Times'' article, "Most political analysts give him little chance of being nominated—partly because he is black, partly because of his unretrenched liberalism."<ref name="aims"/> Jackson's campaign was also interrupted by allegations about his half-brother Noah Robinson Jr.'s criminal activity.<ref name="robinson"/> Robinson claimed in an interview that the arrest was an attempt to make him "the Billy Carter of the Jackson campaign".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AMNEWS&req_dat=0D10F2CADB4B24C0&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB36DDC69646B38|title=U.S. agents seize Robinson records|last=Brown|first=Mark|work=Chicago Sun-Times|date=June 7, 1988|access-date=February 22, 2026|page=11|via=NewsBank}}</ref> But Jackson's past successes made him a more credible candidate, and he was both better financed and better organized than in 1984.<ref name="is seen"/> ''The Washington Post'' wrote that while Jackson's support "continued to flow predominantly from black districts", his support among white voters allowed him to "claim that he is more than a one-race candidate. Perhaps more to the point, no other candidate was able to generate anything like the total support that Mr. Jackson did."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1988/03/29/the-jackson-victory/e7464bfd-b714-4744-b4bf-96914c2053d4/|title=The Jackson Victory|date=March 29, 1988|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> Jackson once again exceeded expectations as he more than doubled his previous results, prompting R. W. Apple of ''The New York Times'' to call 1988 "the Year of Jackson".<ref name="is seen"/>
[[File:Jesse Jackson at Goodwill Games, 1990 (27189823926) (cropped1).jpg|thumb|Jackson speaking at the Goodwill Games in Seattle, 1990]]
===Stance on abortion=== Although Jackson was one of the most liberal members of the Democratic Party, his position on abortion was originally more in line with pro-life views. Less than a month after the 1973 U.S Supreme Court decision ''Roe v. Wade'' legalized abortion, Jackson began a PUSH campaign against the decision, calling abortion murder and declaring that Jesus and Moses might not have been born if abortion had been available in ancient times.<ref name="maverick"/> Jackson's strong rhetoric on abortion temporarily alienated one of his major supporters, T. R. M. Howard, a Black physician who performed the procedure.<ref name="maverick"/>
In 1975, Jackson endorsed a plan for a constitutional amendment banning abortion.<ref name="christians join"/> He also endorsed the Hyde Amendment, which bars the funding of abortions through the federal Medicaid program. In a 1977 National Right to Life Committee News report, Jackson argued that the basis for ''Roe v. Wade''—the right to privacy—had also been used to justify slavery and the treatment of slaves on the plantations. Jackson decried what he believed was the casual taking of life and the decline in society's values. He later changed his views, saying that women have the right to an abortion and that the government should not interfere.<ref name="reprint" /> In 1988, a pro-life opinion writer in the Washington Post wrote: "He [Jackson] supports federal funding of abortion and says moral positions shouldn't be imposed on public policy. Freedom of choice must prevail. He echoes the arguments that make Democrats the party of abortion."<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Colman |date=May 21, 1988 |title=Opinion {{!}} Jackson's Reversal on Abortion |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1988/05/21/jacksons-reversal-on-abortion/dd9e1637-020d-447b-9329-95ec67e41fd5/ |access-date=February 17, 2026 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
After the leak of the draft decision to overturn ''Roe v. Wade'', Jackson compared the draft to ''Dred Scott v. Sandford'', as both were "preceded by a disingenuous campaign to urge citizens to respect the decisions of the court as grounded in law, not politics". He predicted overturning ''Roe v. Wade'' would "spark fierce political battles over basic rights in the states, the Congress, the courts and on the streets".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribunecontentagency.com/article/jesse-jackson-peace-is-the-presence-of-justice/|title=Jesse Jackson: Peace is the presence of justice|date=May 9, 2022|first=Jesse|last=Jackson|work=Tribune Content Agency }}</ref> In June 2022, the Supreme Court overruled ''Roe'' in ''Dobbs v. Jackson''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/597/19-1392/|title=Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, 597 U. S. ____ (2022)|website=Justia|date=May 16, 2021|access-date=June 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/24/roe-v-wade-overturned-by-supreme-court-ending-federal-abortion-rights.html |title = Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, ending 50 years of federal abortion rights |first1=Kevin|last1=Breuninger|first2 = Dan |last2 = Mangan |date = June 24, 2022 |accessdate = June 24, 2022 |work = CNBC |archive-date = June 24, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220624141534/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/24/roe-v-wade-overturned-by-supreme-court-ending-federal-abortion-rights.html |url-status = live}}</ref>
===Later political activities===
====1990s==== [[File:President Bill Clinton meets with Reverend Jesse Jackson in the Oval Office in the White House (06) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Jackson with President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and son Yusef Jackson in 1993]] After District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry was arrested,<ref>{{cite news |title= Barry Arrested on Cocaine Charges in Undercover FBI, Police Operation |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= January 19, 1990 |page= A1 |first= Sharon |last= LaFraniere |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/local/longterm/tours/scandal/barry.htm}}</ref> Jackson was under pressure to enter the mayoral race to replace Barry. While Jackson said he was not running for the position, he also said, "that public servants should never say never, and they should never say forever."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/24/us/jackson-undecided-on-future.html|title=Jackson Undecided on Future|date=January 24, 1990|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Jackson talked about running with his 1988 presidential campaign chairman, Joel Ferguson, and Ferguson formally announced Jackson's decision not to enter the race the next day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/26/us/jackson-rules-out-mayor-s-race-in-washington-associates-say.html|title=Jackson Rules Out Mayor's Race In Washington, Associates Say|date=February 26, 1990|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Michael|last=Wines}}</ref> Jackson instead ran for office as "shadow senator" for the District of Columbia when the position was created in 1991,<ref name="to run"/> serving until 1997, when he did not run for reelection. This unpaid position was primarily a lobbying post for statehood for the District of Columbia.<ref name="behind"/>
In 1990, Jackson attended a dinner honoring the 20th anniversary of The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, where George H. W. Bush spoke of the day an African-American would one day be president and teased Jackson by invoking him when mentioning his visit with children in ghettos: "Jesse. I'm talking about little kids. I'm not talking about 49-year-old guys. Let's not rush it."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/05/us/as-bush-hails-progress-by-blacks-veto-is-seen-on-rights-bill.html|title=As Bush Hails Progress by Blacks, Veto Is Seen on Rights Bill|date=April 5, 1990|newspaper=The New York Times|first= Steven A.|last=Holmes}}</ref>
In November 1991, Democratic National Committee chair Ron Brown reported that Jackson had told him that he would not enter the 1992 Democratic Party presidential primaries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/02/us/jackson-to-forgo-presidential-race-in-92-adviser-says.html|title=Jackson to Forgo Presidential Race in'92, Adviser Says|first=Steven A.|last=Holmes|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 2, 1991 }}</ref> A short time later, Jackson formally declared he would not mount a third presidential bid and called for the creation of a "new democratic majority". His decision not to run caused concerns for the future of the Rainbow Coalition, which ''The New York Times'' wrote "has only carried political clout in the years when Mr. Jackson has run for President."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/03/us/jackson-says-he-won-t-run-but-seeks-to-keep-coalition.html|title=Jackson Says He Won't Run But Seeks to Keep Coalition|first=Gwen|last=Ifill|date=November 3, 1991|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Governor of Arkansas Bill Clinton insulted Jackson on an open television microphone and called Jackson to apologize. Jackson said focusing on the comments was unhelpful and noted that Clinton was the only one of the then-five Democratic presidential candidates who had not agreed to join Jackson on campaign trips highlighting housing, health, and education issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/28/us/1992-campaign-sidelines-response-apology-clinton-jackson-takes-jab.html|title=The 1992 Campaign: On the Sidelines; In Response to Apology by Clinton, Jackson Takes a Jab|first=Ronald|last=Smothers|date=February 28, 1992|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> On April 26, 1992, Jackson and Clinton had a 40-minute meeting in Clinton's hotel suite and emerged to announce that they were both committed to defeating Bush in the general election. Asked if he was ready to endorse Clinton, Jackson said: "Well, if he wins the nomination of our party, he would be well on his way. We need a new President and we need a new direction. We cannot afford any more of what George Bush represents."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/26/us/the-1992-campaign-jackson-meets-clinton-but-doesn-t-endorse-him.html|title=The 1992 Campaign; Jackson Meets Clinton but Doesn't Endorse Him|first=Gwen|last=Ifill|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 26, 1992 }}</ref> After Clinton became the likely nominee, Jackson appealed to the Democratic Party's platform committee to neither "go with the flow on capital punishment" nor "walk soft on right-to-work laws". Although Jackson promised to endorse the party's nominee, his comments were seen as directed toward Clinton.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/19/us/1992-campaign-democrats-jackson-asks-his-party-pay-attention-poor-cities.html|title=The 1992 Campaign: Democrats; Jackson Asks His Party to Pay Attention to the Poor and the Cities|date=May 19, 1992|newspaper=The New York Times|first=David E.|last=Rosenbaum}}</ref> David S. Broder noted Jackson's lessened influence at the 1992 Democratic National Convention and contrasted him with Chairman Brown: "At almost the same moment that Jackson learned he could no longer hold the Democratic Party and its nominee hostage to his demands, Brown was showing he could carry the party and its convention in his hands."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1992/07/14/the-decline-of-jesse-jackson-and-the-rise-of-ron-brown/c7379261-6e6e-4d96-b781-c4291bc32cd3/|title=Opinion {{!}} The Decline of Jesse Jackson... and the Rise of Ron Brown.|first=David S.|last=Broder|date=July 14, 1992|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> In January 1992, Jackson began hosting a CNN talk show, ''Both Sides with Jesse Jackson''.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Rick|last=Sherwood|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 6, 1992|page=6|title=TV review: 'With Jesse Jackson'|id={{ProQuest|2362046918}} }}</ref> The program featured guests representing opposite sides of a single issue and was among the few programs on CNN hosted by a liberal.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Howard|last=Rosenberg|author-link=Howard Rosenberg |date=January 20, 1992 |title=Jackson's New CNN Talk Show Widens Spectrum of Thought |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-01-20-ca-405-story.html |access-date=November 13, 2025 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
In February 2026, it was revealed that Jackson and Clinton had been friends since they first met in Little Rock, Arkansas during the 20th anniversary celebration of the integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1977.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=BillClinton|title=Reverend Jackson never stopped working for a better America with brighter tomorrows. Hillary’s and my full statement on the passing of our dear friend:|date=February 17, 2026|accessdate=February 17, 2026|number=2023797830494941587|first=Bill|last=Clinton|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/faTIF|archive-date=February 28, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/17/jesse-jackson-timeline/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson: Minister, civil rights advocate, politician, intermediary, and social justice|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=February 17, 2026|accessdate=February 17, 2026|last=Rockett|first=Darcel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260217235042/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/17/jesse-jackson-timeline/|archive-date=February 17, 2026}}</ref>
Jackson was initially critical of Bill Clinton's moderate "Third Way" policies. Peter Beinart alleged that Clinton was "petrified about a primary challenge from Jackson in the 1996 U.S. presidential election.<ref name="why obama"/> But Jackson became a key ally in gaining African-American support for Clinton and eventually became a close adviser and friend of the Clinton family.<ref name=Berke/> His son Jesse Jackson Jr. was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois. In the mid-1990s, Jackson was approached about being the United States Ambassador to South Africa but declined the opportunity in favor of helping his son run for the House.<ref name=Berke/> However, he would in October 1997 accept an offer by Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to serve as "Special Envoy of the President and Secretary of State for the Promotion of Democracy in Africa".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/national/1997/10/09/jackson-named-special-envoy-to-africa/50056134-776b-461c-9ee0-5f9b784f8a5f/|title=Jackson Named Special Envoy to Africa|date=October 9, 1997|accessdate=February 17, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://clintonwhitehouse6.archives.gov/1997/10/1997-10-08-jackson-named-special-envoy-to-africa.html|title=Statement by the Press Secretary|author=The White House – Office of the Press Secretary|publisher=clintonwhitehouse6.archives.gov|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|date=October 8, 1997|accessdate=February 17, 2026}}</ref>
On August 29, 1993, Jackson joined gatherers at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, walking arm-in-arm with United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros and United States Attorney General Janet Reno.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/08/29/us/king-s-speech-commemerated-by-thousands.html|title=King's Speech Commemerated by Thousands|first=Robin|last=Toner|date=August 29, 1993|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> In September 1996, Jackson visited rapper Tupac Shakur in the hospital after he was wounded in a drive-by shooting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/f9463bde6f8f2e98cf786df805a08e39|title=Rapper Tupac Shakur Dies After Drive-by Shooting|first=Michelle|last=Dearmond|date=September 13, 1996|publisher=AP News}}</ref> Jackson said the real issue was "the violent culture we live in—the survival of the fittest that too often calls for revenge". SFGATE criticized his remark as "off the mark" in characterizing Shakur as a victim of a violent society.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/EDITORIAL-Another-Clear-Warning-for-Tupac-2967710.php|title=Editorial – Another Clear Warning for Tupac|date=September 10, 1996 |publisher=SF Gate}}</ref>
In 1997, Jackson backed Al Sharpton in his bid for mayor of New York City, denouncing Alan Hevesi for refusing to support Sharpton in the event that he won the primary, calling it "the worst conceivable time for polarizing statements and positions by responsible leaders".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/14/nyregion/race-for-city-hall-the-runoff-jesse-jackson-campaigns-for-sharpton.html|date=September 14, 1997|title=Race for City Hall: The Runoff; Jesse Jackson Campaigns for Sharpton|first=Lynette|last=Holloway|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Sharpton lost the Democratic primary to Ruth Messinger, who lost the general election to incumbent Rudy Giuliani.<ref name="cnn110497">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1997/11/04/mayor/|title=Giuliani Wins With Ease|publisher=CNN|first=Justin|last=Oppmann|date=November 4, 1997|access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20011008134106/http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1997/11/04/mayor/|archive-date=October 8, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2000, Jackson criticized Giuliani's handling of the Patrick Dorismond shooting, saying that there was "something that is not well about his response to unarmed people being shot by police." Mayoral spokesman Curt Ritter responded: "Jesse Jackson, Dov Hikind and Alan Hevesi have joined the political pile-on team being captained by Al Sharpton in the name of Hillary Clinton."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://greensboro.com/jesse-jackson-others-criticize-giulianis-response/article_8f917a26-cc71-5ef5-9e27-1f316594ab8d.html|title=Jesse Jackson, Others Criticize Giuliani's Response|date=March 23, 2000|publisher=greensboro.com}}</ref>
[[File:40.AntiImpeachRally.WDC.17December1998 (22734773341).jpg|thumb|Jackson (third from left) and Al Sharpton (third from right) at anti-impeachment rally at the US Capitol in support of President Bill Clinton (fourth from left), December 17, 1998]]In 1998, Clinton's affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky became public, and his lying under oath about the affair led to an impeachment inquiry by the House.<ref>{{cite news | title=Time Line | date=September 13, 1998 | page=A32 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/timeline.htm | newspaper=The Washington Post | access-date=January 20, 2007}}</ref> In an interview with ''The Washington Post'', Jackson explained his opposition to Clinton's removal from office: "The punishment of impeachment does not correspond to the nature of Mr. Clinton's lack of candor. What he did does not fit the definition of high crimes; it was a little crime."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/talk/zforum/jackson121698.htm|title=Direct Access: Jesse Jackson|date=December 16, 1998|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> On December 17, Jackson led a prayer vigil outside the U.S. Capitol for the purpose of increasing the visibility of those opposed to Clinton's impeachment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/capitol-vigil-for-clinton/|title=Capitol Vigil For Clinton|date=December 17, 1998|publisher=CBS News}}</ref> The House impeached Clinton the next day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/president-clinton-impeached|title=President Clinton impeached|work=This Day in History {{!}} December 19|date=November 24, 2009 |publisher=History|access-date=December 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-have-presidents-been-impeached-for-these-were-the-articles-of-impeachment-johnson-nixon-and-clinton/|title=What have presidents been impeached for? These were the articles of impeachment for Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton|website=CBS News|first=Jason|last=Silverstein|date=February 15, 2021|access-date=February 17, 2026}}</ref>
On November 18, 1999, seven Decatur, Illinois high school students were expelled for two years after participating in a brawl at a football game. The incident was caught on home video and became a national media event when CNN ran pictures of the fight. After the students were expelled, Jackson argued that the expulsions were unfair and racially biased, and called on the school board to reverse its decision.<ref name="national race"/>
====2000s==== thumb|Jackson outside the Florida Supreme Court, 2000 In March 1999, Jackson announced he would not be a candidate in the 2000 U.S. presidential election, saying that he intended to continue championing the causes of education and health care reform and highlighting the "ongoing shame of our nation—the explosive growth of the prison-industrial complex."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/wh2000/stories/jackson032599.htm|title=Jesse Jackson Won't Run for President|date=March 25, 1999|first=Terry M.|last=Neal|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250126043435/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/wh2000/stories/jackson032599.htm|archive-date= 2025-01-26|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Berke |first=Richard L. |date=March 24, 1999 |title=Jesse Jackson Will Skip 2000 Race, Advisers Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/24/us/jesse-jackson-will-skip-2000-race-advisers-say.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250822211635/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/24/us/jesse-jackson-will-skip-2000-race-advisers-say.html |archive-date= 2025-08-22|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> In August, Jackson criticized Republican Governor of Texas and presidential candidate George W. Bush as showing no leadership after the murder of James Byrd Jr. by not pushing any hate-crime bills.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1999/08/16/Jackson-attacks-Bush-on-hate-crimes-record/3747934776000/|title=Jackson attacks Bush on hate-crimes record|date=August 16, 1999|publisher=UPI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126194238/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1999/08/16/Jackson-attacks-Bush-on-hate-crimes-record/3747934776000/|archive-date=26 Jan 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 1, 2000, Jackson endorsed Vice President Al Gore, saying that he brought "to the table a body of invaluable accomplishments as a former congressman, senator and vice president."<ref>{{cite web |date=March 1, 2000 |title=Jesse Jackson endorses Gore for president |url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/03/01/jackson.cnn/index.html |url-status=dead|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20011125234225/http://www9.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/03/01/jackson.cnn/index.html |archive-date=November 25, 2001 |publisher=CNN|access-date=February 20, 2026}}</ref> Gore won the nomination,<ref>{{cite web |last=McCaleb |first=Ian Christopher |date=March 9, 2000 |title=Bradley, McCain bow out of party races |url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/03/09/mccain.bradley/index.html |url-status=dead|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010805132939/http://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/03/09/mccain.bradley/index.html |archive-date=August 5, 2001 |publisher=CNN|access-date=February 20, 2026}}</ref> and Jackson addressed the 2000 Democratic National Convention.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 16, 2000 |title=Rev. Jesse L. Jackson's Speech to the Democratic National Convention |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/politics/camp/081600jackson-text.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20000911170910/http://www.nytimes.com/library/politics/camp/081600jackson-text.html|archive-date=September 11, 2000|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref>
Gore faced Bush in the general election,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/04/campaign.wrap/index.html|title=Bush, Gore kick off fall campaign season with appeal to working families|access-date=February 20, 2026|last=Ferullo|first= Mike|date=September 4, 2000|publisher=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010815104016/http://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/04/campaign.wrap/index.html|archive-date=August 15, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref> where the close race in Florida led to the Florida election recount.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/11/27/gore.transcript/index.html|title=Transcript: Gore remarks on Florida vote certification|access-date=February 22, 2026|date=November 27, 2000|publisher=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001128195630/http://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/11/27/gore.transcript/index.html|archive-date=November 28, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 10, Jackson attended a rally in West Palm Beach and called for the Justice Department to investigate the "widespread disgrace across this state", noting Palm Beach County had confusing and illegal ballots that failed to adhere to state laws mandating that voters make their choice to the right of the candidate's name.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=David |date=November 10, 2000 |title=Inquiry Into Florida Voting Problems Urged |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2000/11/10/politics/10STRE.html|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=February 22, 2026}}</ref> On December 5, Jackson joined Florida Black Caucus members in filing a civil rights suit charging that minority voters in Duval County were discarded at higher rates than those of whites. Jackson noted 27,000 votes from Duval County were not counted on election night and most of them came from black inner-city neighborhoods.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 6, 2000 |title=Jesse Jackson Files Suit in Florida |url=http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/DailyNews/jacksonsuit_001206.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010827062750/http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/DailyNews/jacksonsuit_001206.html|archive-date=August 27, 2001 |publisher=ABC News}}</ref> Gore conceded the election weeks later.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/12/13/gore.ends.campaign/index.html |title=Gore concedes presidential election |access-date=February 22, 2026 |author=<!--Not stated-->|date=December 13, 2000 |publisher=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001224131801/http://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/12/13/gore.ends.campaign/index.html|archive-date=December 24, 2000 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2000/transcripts/121300/t651213.html|title=Vice President Al Gore delivers remarks|access-date=February 22, 2026|date=December 13, 2000|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001215102018/http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2000/transcripts/121300/t651213.html|archive-date=December 15, 2000|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On January 20, 2001, Bill Clinton's final day in office, Clinton pardoned Congressman Mel Reynolds, John Bustamante, and Dorothy Rivers; Jackson had requested pardons for them. Jackson had also requested a pardon for his half-brother Noah Robinson who had been convicted of murdering Leroy Barber and sentenced to life imprisonment, but Clinton did not pardon Robinson on the grounds that Robinson had already submitted three pardon appeals, all of which the Justice Department had denied.<ref name="shakedown" />
The 2000 recount was not the last time Jackson clashed with Governor of Florida Jeb Bush. After Bush nominated Jerry Regier for the Department of Children and Families in 2002, Jackson joined Democrats who criticized a 1989 paper, which listed Reiger as co-chairman of the authoring group, that endorsed spanking to the point of bruises and welts and opposed married women having careers. Jackson said: "In some sense, Mr. Regier is an extension of Mr. Bush's ideology. These are his convictions and that's why he's going to stand by him."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2002/08/18/jackson-blasts-bushs-pick-to-head-dcf/31612723007/|title=Jackson blasts Bush's pick to head DCF |date=August 18, 2002|publisher=Gainesville|agency=The Associated Press}}</ref> In June 2004, Jackson rebuked Bush for requesting counties purge felons from voting rolls, calling it "a typical South (tactic), denying the right to vote based on race and class." Bush called Jackson's comments "outrageous" and said the civil rights leader was "past his prime."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2004/06/22/Jesse-Jackson-fights-felon-voter-purge/2151087876800/|title=Jesse Jackson fights felon voter purge|date=June 22, 2004|publisher=UPI}}</ref> In early 2005 Jackson visited Terri Schiavo's parents and supported their unsuccessful bid to keep her alive,<ref name="schiavo"/> which Bush also supported, one of the few times Jackson and Bush backed the same cause.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/jesse-jackson-urges-schiavo-be-revived-1.427513|title=Jesse Jackson urges Schiavo be revived|date=March 30, 2005|newspaper=Irish Times}}</ref>
After the September 11 attacks, and in the lead-up to the United States invasion of Afghanistan, Jackson said on September 26 that he had been invited by the Taliban to lead a "peace delegation" to the country; he had previously undertaken several such independent missions to negotiate the release of overseas American hostages.<ref name="CNN-2001">{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2001 |last=Loven|first=Jennifer|title=Jesse Jackson May Head to Afghanistan |url=http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010927/ts/attacks_jackson_3.html|publisher=Associated Press|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011006120248/http://dailynews.yahoo.com:80/h/ap/20010927/ts/attacks_jackson_3.html |archive-date=October 6, 2001|access-date=February 22, 2026|via=Yahoo! News}}</ref><ref name="Gillan-2001">{{Cite news |last1=Gillan |first1=Audrey |last2=McCarthy |first2=Rory |date=September 27, 2001 |title=Jesse Jackson considers peace trip |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/sep/28/afghanistan.terrorism2 |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130145251/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/sep/28/afghanistan.terrorism2 |archive-date=January 30, 2023}}</ref> Jackson said he was reluctant, but that he was carefully considering the visit, saying, "If we can do something to encourage them to dismantle those terrorist bases, to choose to hand over the suspects and release the Christians rather than engage in a long bloody war, we'll encourage them to do so."<ref name="CNN-2001" /> The father of one of eight Christian missionaries held in Kabul on charges of proselytizing had made an appeal to Jackson that Jackson called "compelling".<ref name="Gillan-2001" /> There was later some confusion as to where the offer of mediation had come from; the Taliban ambassador to Pakistan was quoted as saying, "We have not invited him [Jackson], but he has made an offer to mediate which has been accepted by our leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar."<ref name="Gillan-2001" /> The White House advised against the visit, reiterating its commitment not to negotiate with the Taliban.<ref name="CNN-2001" /><ref name="Gillan-2001" /> Ultimately, Jackson rejected the offer, citing the lack of progress made by a Pakistani delegation, calling the Afghan response "a mistake on their part and strangely suspicious."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kelly|first=Maura|date=September 29, 2001 |title=Jackson to Appeal to Afghan Leaders|publisher=Associated Press |via=Yahoo! News |url=http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010929/us/attacks_jackson_12.html |url-status=dead |access-date=February 24, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011003193115/http://dailynews.yahoo.com:80/h/ap/20010929/us/attacks_jackson_12.html |archive-date=October 3, 2001}}</ref>
[[File:Barlow-and-jesse-jackson.jpg|thumb|200px|Jackson with Canadian water rights environmental activist Maude Barlow, 2005]]In a 2002 interview, Jackson said there was "a new America" and the world was abandoning the Jeffersonian democracy that coexisted with slavery in favor of "King democracy", named for his former mentor who "fundamentally changed democracy."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2002/02/13/Jesse-Jackson-Still-PUSHing/36341013626294/|title=Jesse Jackson: Still PUSHing|date=February 13, 2002|publisher=UPI|first=A.L.|last=Swanson}}</ref> In November, African Americans Against Exploitation Inc., which included Jesse Lee Peterson as a plaintiff, filed suit against Jackson alleging that he "intentionally misrepresented himself as an official of the African American race." Jackson responded that it was "a nuisance lawsuit with no basis in law or fact."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2002/LAW/11/20/jesse.jackson.lawsuit/|title=Lawsuit seeks to bar Jesse Jackson from speaking for African-Americans|date=December 2, 2002|publisher=CNN|access-date=February 22, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021211000128/http://www.cnn.com/2002/LAW/11/20/jesse.jackson.lawsuit/|archive-date=December 11, 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref> That year, Jackson was a target of a white supremacist terror plot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2002/07/26/Jury-convicts-white-supremacists/UPI-67151027718854/|title=Jury convicts white supremacists|last=Haskell|first= Dave|date=July 26, 2002|website=United Press International|access-date=January 1, 2015}}</ref>
On September 1, 2003, Jackson was among those arrested for blocking traffic at Yale University as they showed their solidarity with striking clerical, dining hall and maintenance workers. He was the first person handcuffed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2003/09/02/education/02JACK.html|title=Jesse Jackson And 18 Others Are Arrested In Yale Protest|date=September 2, 2003|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Steven|last=Greenhouse|access-date=February 24, 2026}}</ref> On June 23, 2007, Jackson was arrested in connection with a protest at a gun store in Riverdale, a low-income suburb of Chicago. He and others were protesting due to allegations that the gun store had been selling firearms to local gang members and was contributing to the decay of the community. According to police reports, Jackson refused to stop blocking the front entrance of the store and let customers pass. He was charged with one count of criminal trespassing.<ref name="arrested"/>
[[File:March3.J27.UFPJ.WDC.27jan07.jpg|thumb|Jackson at an anti-war rally in 2007 with Sean Penn]]
In February 2004, Jackson delivered an address at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he called for southern voters to turn away from the fears and despair that led to their support of Bush in 2000. Jackson also said the wartime credentials of John Kerry, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, would make him a formidable opponent for Bush and urged those feeling powerless to get involved.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2004/02/jesse-jackson-vows-to-get-out-the-vote/|title=Jesse Jackson vows to 'get out the vote'|first=Alvin|last=Powell|date=February 19, 2004|work=Harvard University Gazette|publisher=Harvard University|access-date=February 24, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405223847/http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2004/02.19/09-jesse.html|archive-date=April 5, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref> Jackson addressed the 2004 Democratic National Convention.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2004/07/27/politics/campaign/27TEXT-JACKSON.html|title=The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.'s Remarks to the Democratic National Convention|date=July 27, 2004|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=February 24, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428124635/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/27/politics/campaign/27TEXT-JACKSON.html|archive-date=April 28, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In the general election, Jackson traveled with Kerry,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2004/09/26/politics/campaign/26boss1.html|title=Kerry as the Boss: Always More Questions|date=September 26, 2004|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Adam|last=Nagourne|author2=Jodi Wilgoren|access-date=February 24, 2026}}</ref> and stumped for him in battleground states.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Jesse-Jackson-pumps-up-black-vote-for-Kerry-2688137.php|title=Jesse Jackson pumps up black vote for Kerry|date=October 12, 2004|website=San Francisco Chronicle|first=Jason B.|last=Johnson|url-access=limited|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20041104044810/http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/10/12/MNG0Q97KDU1.DTL|archive-date=November 4, 2004|access-date=February 24, 2026}}</ref> Kerry lost to Bush. In 2005, the Federal Election Commission ruled that Jackson and the Democratic National Committee had violated electoral law in 2000 and fined them $200,000 ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=200000|start_year=2005|r=-2|fmt=eq}}).<ref>{{cite news|last=Theimer|first=Sharon|title=Dems, Jackson to Pay $200,000 in Fines |url=http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/J/JACKSON_DNC_FINE?SITE=RIPAW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2005-05-26-11-56-18|publisher=Associated Press|date=May 26, 2005|access-date=February 24, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050527121337/http://customwire.ap.org:80/dynamic/stories/J/JACKSON_DNC_FINE?SITE=RIPAW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2005-05-26-11-56-18|archive-date=May 27, 2005|url-status=dead|via=Pawtucket Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bush|first=Rudolph|title=Democrats, Jackson fined $200,000 by FEC|work=Chicago Tribune|date=May 27, 2005|page=3 Metro|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/235950574/|access-date=February 27, 2026|url-access=subscription|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20181123173747/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-05-27-0505270241-story.html|archive-date=November 23, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2006 an African-American woman accused three white members of the Duke University men's lacrosse team of raping her. During the ensuing controversy, Jackson stated that his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition would pay for the rest of her college tuition regardless of the outcome of the case. The case against the three men was later thrown out, and the players were declared innocent by the North Carolina Attorney General.<ref name="prosecutors" />
Jackson took a key role in the scandal caused by comedian Michael Richards's onstage racist tirade at the Laugh Factory in November 2006. Richards called Jackson a few days after the incident to apologize; Jackson accepted Richards' apology<ref name="comedian's"/> and met with him publicly as a means of resolving the situation. Jackson also joined Black leaders in a call for the elimination of the "N-word" throughout the entertainment industry.<ref name="richards"/>
In March 2007, Jackson declared his support for then-Senator Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries.<ref name="backs obama"/> He later criticized Obama in 2007 for "acting like he's white" in response to the Jena 6 beating case.<ref name="jena 6"/> On July 6, 2008, during an interview with Fox News, a microphone picked up Jackson whispering to fellow guest Reed Tuckson:<ref name="regrets"/> "See, Barack's been, ahh, talking down to black people on this faith-based... I want to cut his nuts off."<ref name=apologizes/> Jackson was expressing his disappointment in Obama's Father's Day speech chastising absent Black fathers.<ref name="the end"/> Subsequent to an interview with Fox News, Jackson apologized and reiterated his support for Obama.<ref name=apologizes/> On November 4, Jackson attended the Obama victory rally in Chicago's Grant Park. In the moments before Obama spoke, Jackson was seen in tears.<ref name="world television"/>
In November 2009, the Congressional Black Caucus honored Jackson for the 25th anniversary of his 1984 presidential campaign. Of Obama's health care reform proposal, Jackson said: "We even have blacks voting against the health care bill. You can't vote against health care and call yourself a black man." His comments were interpreted as a dig at Representative Artur Davis, the only member of the caucus to vote against the proposal, and political observers said that Jackson's criticism could benefit Davis, who was then a candidate in the 2010 Alabama gubernatorial election and positioning himself as a moderate Democrat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.al.com/live/2009/11/arturdavis_jessejackson.html|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson slams Artur Davis over health care vote|date=November 20, 2009|website=AL.com|first=George|last=Talbot}}</ref> Davis lost the Democratic primary to Ron Sparks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/06/davis_loss_in_black_precincts.html|title=Artur Davis' loss in Alabama's black precincts 'stunning'|website=Blog.al.com|first=Charles J.|last=Dean|date=June 3, 2010|access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref>
==== Early 2010s==== thumb|upright|Jackson at the United Nations in March 2012 In August 2010, Jackson participated in the "Jobs, Justice and Peace" march in Detroit, which he said was held to show Obama and other leaders that Detroit needed a focused urban policy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2010/08/jesse_jackson_obama_deserves_a.html|title=Jesse Jackson: Obama deserves 'at least a B' but must address 'urban crisis' epitomized by Detroit|date=August 27, 2010|website=Michigan Live|first=Jonathan|last=Oosting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102145839/https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2010/08/jesse_jackson_obama_deserves_a.html|archive-date=November 2, 2011|access-date=April 3, 2026|url-status=dead|url-access=limited}}</ref> Shannon Jones of World Socialist Web Site criticized the march as "little more than a campaign rally for the Democratic Party, which has overseen wholesale job and wage cuts in Detroit and nationally while escalating military violence around the world" and in actuality "a demonstration in support of the American ruling class drive, spearheaded by the Obama administration, to put in place a permanent lowering of wages and living conditions in the US."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2010/08/jobs-a31.html|title=Jesse Jackson, UAW hustle votes for Democrats at Detroit "jobs" march|first=Shannon|last=Jones|date=August 31, 2010|publisher=World Socialist Web Site}}</ref>
In 2011, Wayne Barrett wrote that Obama's embrace of Sharpton had "as much to do with the president's antipathy for three other black leaders—Jesse Jackson, Dr. Cornel West and Tavis Smiley—as it does with any genuine White House enthusiasm for the controversial New York preacher."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-04-12/al-sharpton-obamas-go-to-black-leader/|title=Al Sharpton: Obama's Go-To Black Leader|date=April 13, 2011|website=The Daily Beast|first=Wayne|last=Barrett|access-date=April 3, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613155804/http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-04-12/al-sharpton-obamas-go-to-black-leader/|archive-date=June 13, 2011}}</ref> In 2012, Jackson 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.<ref name="gay marriage" /> He favored federal legislation extending marriage rights to gay people.<ref name="gay marriage" />
After the shooting of Trayvon Martin in February 2012, Jackson joined Martin's parents as they demanded the arrest of his killer, George Zimmerman,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/jackson-civil-rights-leaders-call-for-arrest-of-man-who-shot-trayvon-martin/|title=Jackson, Civil Rights Leaders Call For Arrest Of Man Who Shot Trayvon Martin|date=March 26, 2012|publisher=CBS News}}</ref> and called for repealing stand-your-ground laws to discourage "vigilante" behavior.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/crime/2012/04/12/jesse-jackson-calls-gun-law-repeal-george-zimmerman-heads-court/15869874007/|title=Jesse Jackson calls for gun law repeal as George Zimmerman heads to court|first=Adam Kealoha|last=Causey|work=Florida Times-Union|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413193646/http://jacksonville.com:80/news/crime/2012-04-12/story/jesse-jackson-calls-gun-law-repeal-george-zimmerman-heads-court|archive-date=April 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Zimmerman was arrested,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/04/11/150449405/zimmerman-arrested-on-murder-charge-in-martin-case|title=Zimmerman Arrested On Murder Charge In Martin Case; Will Plead Not Guilty|date=April 11, 2012|first=Bill|last=Chappell|publisher=NPR}}</ref> and later acquitted of second-degree murder.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Campo |first=Arian |date=July 14, 2013 |title=Jury Acquits Zimmerman of All Charges |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324879504578603562762064502 |access-date=April 3, 2026|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715203628/https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324879504578603562762064502.html|archive-date=July 15, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Jackson responded to the acquittal by refusing to accept it, comparing it to the acquittals in the cases of Emmett Till and Medgar Evers. He called for protesters to do nothing that "would diminish the moral authority of Trayvon Martin as a martyr in this case" and for the Justice Department to file civil rights charges against Zimmerman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2013/07/15/zimmerman-jesse-jackson|title=Jesse Jackson: 'I Do Not Accept' Zimmerman Verdict|date=July 15, 2013|publisher=wbur}}</ref> The Department of Justice concluded that there was not sufficient evidence of Zimmerman violating Martin's civil rights.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stein |first=Letitia |date=March 24, 2015 |title=Zimmerman blames Obama for racial tensions after Trayvon Martin shooting |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/us/zimmerman-blames-obama-for-racial-tensions-after-trayvon-martin-shooting-idUSKBN0MJ2DC/|access-date=April 3, 2026|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328232044/http://www.reuters.com:80/article/2015/03/23/us-usa-florida-zimmerman-idUSKBN0MJ2DD20150323|archive-date=March 28, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2013, Jackson met with Marissa Alexander and called for Angela Corey to use her influence to get Alexander's 20-year sentence reduced. He contrasted Alexander's sentence with Zimmerman's acquittal: "A woman was not guilty of shooting or killing anyone is in jail for 20 years. A man who did kill someone is walking free. The gap is too great."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/crime/2013/07/16/jesse-jackson-visits-marissa-alexander-discusses-case-angela-corey/15822467007/ |title=Jesse Jackson visits Marissa Alexander, discusses case with Angela Corey |first=Dana |last=Treen |work=Florida Times-Union |date=July 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718140110/http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2013-07-16/story/jesse-jackson-visits-marissa-alexander-discusses-case-angela-corey|archive-date=July 18, 2013|url-status=dead|url-access=limited}}</ref> In January 2015, Alexander was released from a jail in Jacksonville, Florida under a plea deal changing her sentence to three years which she had already served.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-florida-selfdefense-idUSKBN0L02NQ20150127|title=Florida woman in 'warning shot' case released from jail|first=Susan Cooper|last=Eastman|date=January 27, 2015|work=Reuters|accessdate=March 11, 2016|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609224252/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-florida-selfdefense-idUSKBN0L02NQ20150127|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Charlie Strong with George W. Bush and Jesse Jackson.jpg|thumb|Jackson with Charlie Strong and George W. Bush in April 2014]] The shooting of Michael Brown ignited unrest in Ferguson, Missouri.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/michael-brown-killed-by-police-ferguson-mo|title=Michael Brown is killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri|date=August 6, 2020 |publisher=History.com}}</ref> Jackson wrote an op-ed addressing Ferguson in which he declared that "there has been no significant urban, suburban, small town or rural policy to rebuild America" since Lyndon B. Johnson and that urban and rural communities "have significantly deteriorated during the past 46 years of neglect."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/08/12/jesse-jackson-ferguson-riots-column/13957197/|title=Jesse Jackson: There's a 'Ferguson' near you|date=August 12, 2014|website=USA Today|first=Jesse L.|last=Jackson, Sr. }}</ref> In an MSNBC interview, Jackson likened the shooting to a state execution and requested that the White House create a policy to address ills in black urban communities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/jesse-jackson-ferguson-reaction-110058|title=Rev. Jackson: Like a 'state execution'|date=August 15, 2014|website=Politico|first=Jonathan|last=Topaz}}</ref> He marched to the site of Brown's shooting with other protesters and led them in prayer, warning them that they could "reshape an iron while it's hot, but don't destroy yourself in the process."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jesse-jackson-leads-peaceful-protests-in-ferguson-missouri/|title=Jesse Jackson joins protests as hundreds turn out in Ferguson|date=August 16, 2014|publisher=CBS News}}</ref> After Robert McCulloch chose to not indict Brown's shooter, Darren Wilson,<ref name=CNN.Fires>{{cite web|first1=Moni |last1=Basu |first2=Holly |last2=Yan |first3=Dana |last3=Ford |title=Fires, chaos erupt in Ferguson after grand jury doesn't indict in Michael Brown case |date=November 25, 2014 |website=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/justice/ferguson-grand-jury/|access-date=February 22, 2026|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128223238/https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/justice/ferguson-grand-jury/|archive-date=November 28, 2014|url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson requested the involvement of a federal grand jury in the case.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/rev-jackson-calls-for-federal-grand-jury-in-ferguson-shooting/415717/|title=Rev. Jackson calls for federal grand jury in Ferguson shooting|date=November 29, 2014|work=ABC7Chicago.com|publisher=WLS-TV|access-date=February 22, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208181321/http://abc7chicago.com/news/rev-jackson-calls-for-federal-grand-jury-in-ferguson-shooting/415717/|archive-date=December 8, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2015, Jackson participated in a panel discussion at Stanford University, calling for East Palo Alto residents to combat gentrification even if it meant marching to a company's headquarters. He met with Silicon Valley leaders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://paloaltoonline.com/news/2015/01/27/rev-jesse-jackson-to-east-palo-alto-fight-gentrification|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson to East Palo Alto: Fight gentrification|date=January 27, 2015|website=Palo Alto Online|first=Sue|last=Dremann}}</ref> In June, after Dylann Roof killed nine people at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Waters |first1=Dustin |last2=Berman |first2=Mark |date=December 15, 2016 |title=Dylann Roof found guilty on all counts in Charleston church massacre trial |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/12/15/jurors-begin-deliberating-in-charleston-church-shooting-trial/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sack |first1=Kevin |last2=Blinder |first2=Alan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/15/us/dylann-roof-trial.html|title=Dylann Roof Found Guilty in Charleston Church Massacre|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 15, 2016}}</ref> Jackson and Sharpton joined Governor Nikki Haley, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, and Mayor of Charleston Joseph P. Riley Jr. in attending funerals of the victims.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/26/us/charleston-south-carolina-shooting-funerals.html|title=In Charleston Funerals, Remembering Victims of Hate as Symbols of Love|date=June 26, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Lizette|last=Alvarez|author2=Nikita Stewart|author3=Richard Pérez-Peña}}</ref> In an op-ed, Jackson said the shooting was "the result of institutionalized racism, centuries of dehumanization and the current denial of economic and political equality of opportunity", and urged Obama, Congress, governors, and state legislatures "to all put the same effort, resources and energy into ending the crime of racism, economic injustice and political denial throughout the nation".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/20/jesse-jackson-south-caroline-shooting-racism-african-american|first=Jesse|last=Jackson|title=Charleston shooting: we need prayer, but also an end to this political genocide|date=June 20, 2015|work=The Guardian}}</ref>
==== Late 2010s ==== [[File:Islamic Society of North America (29447028841).jpg|thumb|Jackson at the Islamic Society of North America convention in Chicago in September 2016]] Jackson declined to endorse either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, citing his longtime associations with both.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/267124-jesse-jackson-not-planning-to-endorse-in-democratic-primary/|title=Jesse Jackson not planning to endorse in Democratic primary|date=January 27, 2016|first=Mike |last=Lillis|work=The Hill}}</ref> After Clinton secured the nomination, Jackson endorsed her.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/11/politics/jesse-jackson-hillary-clinton/|title=Jesse Jackson endorses Hillary Clinton|last=Scott|first=Eugene|publisher=CNN|date=June 11, 2016|access-date=February 22, 2026|url-status=live|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615201241/http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/11/politics/jesse-jackson-hillary-clinton/|archive-date=June 15, 2016}}</ref> In July, Republican nominee Donald Trump released a video condemning the police killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/07/08/politics/politicians-react-to-dallas-police-shooting-donald-trump/index.html|title=Trump: Dallas shootings have 'shaken the soul of our nation'|date=July 8, 2016|publisher=CNN|first= David|last=Wright|author2=Rachel Chason}}</ref> Jackson admitted the video contained "significant remarks" but faulted Trump for his past involvement in the birther movement and past rhetoric that had "helped to seed these clouds".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/jesse-jackson-donald-trump-225336|title=Jesse Jackson: Trump's rhetoric 'helped to seed these clouds'|date=July 10, 2016|website=Politico|first= Nick|last=Gass}}</ref> Days before the election, Jackson cited several reasons for voters to support Clinton over Trump, including the possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act and the appointment of U.S. Supreme Court justices and urged them to "join the right side of history".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2016/11/05/jesse-jackson-black-voters-have-everything-lose-voting-trump/15730568007/|title=Jesse Jackson: Black voters have 'everything to lose' voting for Trump|date=November 5, 2016|publisher=Jacksonville|first=Sebastian|last=Kitchen}}</ref> Trump defeated Clinton in the general election,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/election-results-2016-clinton-trump-231070|title=Trump pulls off biggest upset in U.S. history|website=Politico|date=November 9, 2016|first1=Shane|last1=Goldmacher|first2=Ben|last2=Schreckinger}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/10/upshot/why-trump-won-working-class-whites.html|title=Why Trump Won: Working-Class Whites|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 9, 2016|first=Nate|last=Cohn}}</ref> and Jackson shortly thereafter wrote an op-ed for ''The Guardian'' saying that Trump "must prove he is worthy of the office by immediately going to work uniting the country he has done so much to divide."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/nov/09/donald-trump-america-jesse-jackson|title=There's a lot of reaching out to do. I pray Trump's arms are long enough|date=November 9, 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Jesse|last=Jackson}}</ref>
Jackson attended the Women's March on Washington, where he said that both a half-century of civil rights and the right to vote had been threatened.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/politics/voices-of-the-march-50-years-of-civil-rights-have-been-threatened-says-jesse-jackson/|title=Voices of the Women's March: '50 Years of Civil Rights Have Been Threatened,' Says Jesse Jackson|date=January 21, 2017|website=People.com}}</ref> In April, he participated in the Miami, Florida, Hispanicize conference, where he called the Trump administration's efforts to set up deportation camps "Germanesque" and denounced the more than 30 Hispanic-owned firms who put in a bid to construct the border wall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/04/05/jesse-jackson-hispanicize-trump-wall-voters/100095334/|title=Jesse Jackson urges Latinos to unite and battle Trump|date=April 5, 2017|website=USA Today|first=Rick|last=Jervis}}</ref> When he visited St. John Baptist Church in Orlando, Jackson stated his support for the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity investigating the suppression of minority voters, noting that between 1.3 and 1.7 million voters were ineligible to vote in Florida due to felony convictions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/2017/08/07/rev-jesse-jackson-visits-orlando-church-discusses-voter-suppression/20004614007/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson visits Orlando church, discusses voter suppression|date=August 7, 2017|work=News-Journal|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In September, he gave a speech at the Ministers March for Justice, saying, "Trump says you must be able to speak the language of English, [be] qualified and have a job skill. Jesus would not qualify to come in Trump's country. Trump would not qualify to get into Jesus' kingdom."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/rare-politics/jesse-jackson-president-trump-would-not-qualify-to-get-into-heaven/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson on Donald Trump: 'He would not qualify to get into Jesus's kingdom'|publisher=Dayton Daily News|first=Alex|last=Thomas|date=September 2, 2017}}</ref> After Colin Kaepernick was not signed by the NFL for kneeling during the national anthem, and Trump denounced players who joined Kaepernick in kneeling in protest, Jackson urged a boycott of the NFL as long "as their boycott of Colin Kaepernick continues" and said that Trump should instead focus on helping victims of Hurricane Maria.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2017/09/25/jesse-jackson-trump-nfl-boycott/105990010/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson slams Trump, encourages NFL boycott|first=Nicquel|last=Terry|date=September 25, 2017|newspaper=Detroit News}}</ref>
In January 2018, Jackson delivered a sermon at a church in Fort Washington, Maryland, in which he accused Trump of being misleading and called him a "man of inherited wealth and privilege who seems to have no understanding of our situation".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/jesse-jackson-blasts-trump/|title=Jesse Jackson Blasts Trump, Envisions Progressive Coalition|date=January 29, 2018|publisher=CBS News}}</ref> Ahead of the 50th anniversary of King's assassination, Jackson wrote an op-ed for ''The New York Times'' reflecting on King's accomplishments and his continued relevance in current struggles. He asserted that those "who value justice and equality must have the will and courage to follow him."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/03/opinion/jesse-jackson-martin-luther-king.html|title=Jesse Jackson: How Dr. King Lived Is Why He Died|date=April 3, 2018|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Jesse|last=Jackson}}</ref> In September, Jackson attended the Angela Project Conference with Congressman John Yarmuth and Mayor of Louisville Greg Fischer, noting injustices in America such as wealth inequality and the disproportionate number of imprisoned African-Americans. Jackson also said that both the Devil and Trump were temporary and would be outlasted by "the Lord".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2018/09/15/rev-jesse-jackson-speaks-louisville-sermon/1316698002/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson calls for 'defiance, determination' in Louisville sermon|date=September 15, 2018|website=Courier Journal|first=Darcy|last=Costello}}</ref>
In February 2019, after Jussie Smollett was reported to have been assaulted in a hate crime,<ref name="CNN attack">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/29/entertainment/jussie-smollett-attack/index.html |title=''Empire'' star Jussie Smollett attacked in possible hate crime |first=Sandra |last=Gonzalez |publisher=CNN |location=Atlanta |date=January 29, 2019 |access-date=January 29, 2019}}</ref><ref name="original_case_incident_report">{{cite news |title=Chicago Police Department Original Case Incident Report |url=https://dig.abclocal.go.com/wls/documents/020419-smollett-report-doc.pdf |publisher=WLS-TV |location=Chicago |date=January 29, 2019 |access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Karma |last=Allen |title=Newly revealed report offers chilling details of alleged Jussie Smollett attack |publisher=ABC News |location=New York City |date=February 4, 2019 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/newly-revealed-report-offers-chilling-details-alleged-jussie/story?id=60842410 |access-date=February 5, 2019}}</ref> Jackson called the attack an attempt at a "barbaric lynching". Although Trump condemned the assault, Jackson charged him with emboldening bigots through his rhetoric and actions, warning of the revival of demeaning and bullying.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/feb/02/jesse-jackson-interview-jussie-smollett-hate-violence-us|title=Jesse Jackson: 'Hate and violence are raining down on our country'|first=Eric|last=Lutz|date=February 2, 2019|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Smollett was later charged with falsifying the attack,<ref name="Sopan Deb">{{cite news |last=Deb |first=Sopan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/20/arts/television/jussie-smollett-attack-suspect.html |title=Jussie Smollett Faces Felony Charge, Accused of Faking Own Assault |newspaper=The New York Times |location=New York City |date=February 20, 2019 |access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Ray Sanchez">{{cite news |first1=Ray |last1=Sanchez |first2=Ryan |last2=Young |first3=Bill |last3=Kirkos |first4=Brad |last4=Parks |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/20/entertainment/jussie-smollett-attack/index.html |title=Actor Jussie Smollett charged with felony for allegedly filing a false police report |publisher=CNN |location=Atlanta |date=February 20, 2019 |access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> and Jackson was among those who wrote to the judge handling the case, requesting leniency for Smollett as he had already been "excoriated and vilified in the court of public opinion" and had his professional reputation "severely damaged".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/09/arts/television/jussie-smollett-sentencing.html|title=Before Jussie Smollett Sentencing, His Supporters Ask for 'Mercy'|first=Julia|last=Jacobs|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 9, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/jussie-smollett-sentencing-sentence-update/11638499/|title=Jussie Smollett sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months' probation before emotional outburst|date=March 10, 2022|publisher=ABC7|first=Diane|last=Pathieu|author2=Leah Hope|author3=Eric Horng|author4=Rob Elgas}}</ref>
After Trump attacked Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with multiple false claims,<ref name=APgoback>{{cite news |last1=LeMire |first1=Jonathan |last2=Woodward |first2=Calvin |title=Leave the US, Trump tells liberal congresswomen of color |url=https://www.apnews.com/728ada1e918a482c9e9b1f3e24937caa |website=Associated Press |date=July 14, 2019 |access-date=July 19, 2019}}</ref> Jackson warned that Trump was "making people afraid of her, and it's going to produce violence", noting King's assassination came after he was "defamed" and "vilified by the government."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/jesse-jackson-president-trump-must-stop-attacking-rep-ilhan-omar/513045482/|title=Jesse Jackson: President Trump must stop attacking Rep. Ilhan Omar|date=July 22, 2019|website=Star Tribune|first=Patrick|last=Condon}}</ref> Jackson and his son Jesse Jr. sent Trump a letter requesting that he pardon former Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich, the father-son pair declaring that they stood with the Blagojevich family "as they seek a full pardon for a father and husband that has served most of a sentence that was far longer than the offense deserved".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/jesse-jackson-urges-trump-to-pardon-former-illinois-gov-rod-blagojevich|title=Jesse Jackson urges Trump to pardon former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich|date=July 17, 2019|publisher=Fox News|first=Andrew|last=O'Reilly }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/rev-jesse-jackson-sends-letter-to-trump-seeking-pardon-for-former-illinois-gov-rod-blagojevich|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson Sends Letter to Trump Seeking Pardon for Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich|date=July 16, 2019|website=The Daily Beast|first=Anna|last=Kaplan }}</ref> During the 2019 Venezuelan presidential crisis, Jackson delivered food to activists occupying the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/rev-jesse-jackson-delivers-food-to-activists-occupying-venezuelan-embassy-in-dc/2019/05/15/ea703f20-771f-11e9-b3f5-5673edf2d127_story.html|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson delivers food to activists occupying Venezuelan Embassy in D.C.|last=Lang|first=Marissa|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=May 15, 2019|access-date=August 4, 2021}}</ref>
In June, Jackson went to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center to encourage inmates to vote as part of a voter registration drive in South Carolina with particular focus on students, seniors, and working-class residents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2019/06/21/jesse-jackson-begins-effort-register-voters-sc-detention-center/1515371001/|title=Jesse Jackson launches effort to register 100,000 new voters in South Carolina|date=June 21, 2019|website=Greenville News|first=Kirk|last=Brown}}</ref> Months later, he visited Paine College to further encourage voting, saying America was "being torn asunder by inviting Russia and China and Iran and others into the election process. The gap isn't between black and white so much as it's between the have and the have-nots."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/rev-jesse-jackson-drops-in-at-paine-to-push-voter-registration/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson drops in at Paine to push voter registration|date=October 9, 2019|first=Renetta|last=DuBose|publisher=WJBF.com|access-date=May 15, 2023|archive-date=May 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511033131/https://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/rev-jesse-jackson-drops-in-at-paine-to-push-voter-registration/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In November, Jackson spoke at the funeral of former Representative John Conyers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2019/11/03/jackson-civil-rights-leaders-tout-conyers-legacy-before-funeral/4114068002/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson, other civil rights leaders tout Conyers' legacy|first=Oralandar|last=Brand-Williams|date=November 3, 2019|newspaper=The Detroit News}}</ref>
==== 2020s ==== In June 2019, as Biden prepared to deliver remarks for Rainbow PUSH in his capacity as a candidate in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Jackson said he did not understand Biden's previous support for segregated school busing but believed "he's changed" and expressed his opposition to states' rights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2019/06/28/jesse-jackson-joe-biden-busing-1387656|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson says Biden was on 'the wrong side of history' with busing|date=June 28, 2019|website=Politico|first=Rishika|last=Dugyala}}</ref> In March 2020, Jackson endorsed Bernie Sanders in the primary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/08/politics/jesse-jackson-bernie-sanders-endorsement/index.html|title=Jesse Jackson endorses Bernie Sanders for president|first=Annie|last=Grayer |author2=Devan Cole|website=CNN|date=March 8, 2020|access-date=March 8, 2020}}</ref> He said that Sanders made several commitments to him, and it was reported that he requested Sanders pick an African-American woman as his running mate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/487616-sanders-taps-rev-jesse-jackson-as-a-special-advisor/|title=Sanders taps Rev. Jesse Jackson as campaign advisor|date=March 14, 2020|work=The Hill|first=J. Edward|last=Moreno }}</ref> Sanders dropped out of the race a month later,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ember |first=Sydney |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/us/politics/bernie-sanders-drops-out.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408152739/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/us/politics/bernie-sanders-drops-out.html |archive-date=April 8, 2020 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Bernie Sanders Drops Out of 2020 Democratic Race for President |date=April 8, 2020 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=April 8, 2020 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/08/politics/bernie-sanders-drops-out/|title=Bernie Sanders drops out of the 2020 race, clearing Joe Biden's path to the Democratic nomination|last1=Krieg|first1=Gregory|last2=Nobles|first2=Ryan|last3=Grayer|first3=Annie|publisher=CNN|date=April 8, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/08/bernie-sanders-drops-out-of-2020-democratic-presidential-primary.html|title=Bernie Sanders drops out of the presidential race|last=Pramuk|first=Jacob|publisher=CNBC|date=April 8, 2020|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> and Biden became the Democratic presidential nominee. As the 2020 election neared, Jackson said that Trump had left "African Americans in the deepest hole with the shortest rope" and predicted "African Americans—and particularly African-American women—will vote overwhelmingly for Joe Biden".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribunecontentagency.com/article/jesse-jackson-blacks-wont-fall-for-trumps-big-con/|title=Jesse Jackson: Blacks won't fall for Trump's big con|work=Tribune Content Agency |date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> Biden defeated Trump in the general election,<ref>{{cite news|title=Presidential Election Results: Biden Wins|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/03/us/elections/results-president.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 11, 2020|access-date=December 11, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 14, 2020|access-date=October 9, 2021|first1=Josh|last1=Holder|first2=Trip|last2=Gabriel|author-link2=Trip Gabriel|first3=Isabella Grullón|last3=Paz|title=Biden's 306 Electoral College Votes Make His Victory Official|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/12/14/us/elections/electoral-college-results.html}}</ref> fulfilling Jackson's prediction by winning an overwhelming majority of the black vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/bidens-vow-of-black-justice-a-nod-to-his-most-loyal-voters|title=Biden's vow of Black justice a nod to his most loyal voters|publisher=PBS|date=January 28, 2022|quote=Black women are the most loyal Democrats — 93% of them voted for Biden in the 2020 presidential election, according to AP VoteCast, a national survey of the electorate.}}</ref> Ahead of Biden's inauguration, Jackson wrote an op-ed calling for "an aspirational agenda—an agenda that reveals the scope of action needed to meet the challenges we face, and that provides hope and galvanizes support" and pressed for Biden to demonstrate bold action and leadership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/jan/04/jesse-jackson-americans-looking-for-bold-leadershi/|title=Jesse Jackson: Americans looking for bold leadership from Biden|date=January 4, 2021|website=Spokesman|first=Jesse|last=Jackson}}</ref>
In June 2020, after the killing of Breonna Taylor, Jackson praised Mayor of Louisville Greg Fischer for announcing a review of police conduct and policies and criticized Senator Rand Paul for delaying a bill that would make lynching a hate crime.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newsweek.com/jesse-jackson-says-officers-involved-breonna-taylors-death-should-prosecuted-charged-murder-1509171|title=Jesse Jackson Says Officers Involved in Breonna Taylor's Death Should Be Prosecuted and Charged With Murder|first=Meghan|last=Roos|date=June 6, 2020|magazine=Newsweek}}</ref> In September, Jackson and Jacob Blake's uncle Justin marched in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and spoke at Grace Lutheran Church, where he condemned Blake's and Taylor's shooting deaths.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wisn.com/article/rev-jesse-jackson-marches-for-justice-for-breonna-taylor-and-jacob-blake/34153180#|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson marches for justice for Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake|first=Caroline|last=Reinwald|date=September 24, 2020|publisher=WISN}}</ref> In October, Jackson met with the Taylor and Blake families and led a march with them in Evanston, Illinois.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/rev-jesse-jackson-joins-families-of-breonna-taylor-jacob-blake-in-call-for-justice/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson Joins Families Of Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake In Call For Justice|date=October 3, 2020|publisher=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/jacob-blake-breonna-taylor-blakes-family-taylor/6740008/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson joins Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor families, urging people to vote for change|date=October 3, 2020|publisher=ABC7|first=Cate|last=Cauguiran}}</ref>
After police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2021/04/08/derek-chauvin-trial-why-white-people-need-watch-confront-racism/7133918002/ |first=Alia E. |last=Dastagir |title=Derek Chauvin trial: Why white people need to watch, confront racism |work=USA Today |date=April 8, 2021 |access-date=February 16, 2022 |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418181606/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2021/04/08/derek-chauvin-trial-why-white-people-need-watch-confront-racism/7133918002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson traveled to Minnesota and called for Michael O. Freeman to press charges against the four Minneapolis Police Department officers involved in Floyd's murder. Jackson said protests should continue "until something happens" and advocated for protesters to obey social distancing protocols in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/28/jesse-jackson-calls-george-floyd-protests-continue-nationwide/5276455002/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson calls for nationwide protests after George Floyd's death|first=Tyler J.|last=Davis|website=USA Today|date=May 28, 2020}}</ref> Chauvin was convicted of Floyd's murder in April 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McCaskill |first1=Nolan D. |last2=Forgey |first2=Quint |date=April 20, 2021 |title=Derek Chauvin convicted of murdering George Floyd |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/20/derek-chauvin-trial-verdict-george-floyd-483535 |website=Politico |access-date=April 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Xiong |first1=Chao |last2=Walsh |first2=Paul |last3=Olson |first3=Rochelle |date=April 20, 2021 |title=Derek Chauvin convicted of murder, manslaughter in death of George Floyd |url=https://www.startribune.com/derek-chauvin-convicted-of-murder-manslaughter-in-death-of-george-floyd/600047825/ |website=Minneapolis Star Tribune |access-date=April 21, 2021}}</ref> Jackson appeared with the Floyd family at a press conference shortly after the verdict, where he told attendees that they would have to "learn to live together as brothers and sisters and not die apart".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/rev-jesse-jackson-chauvin-verdict/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson After Chauvin Verdict: 'We Must Learn To Live Together As Brothers And Sisters And Not Die Apart'|date=April 20, 2021|publisher=CBS News}}</ref> Jackson supported the withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan, calling it "long past time to end the folly in Afghanistan" and "long past time to start investing in the future of America's children and in meeting the existential threat posed by climate change."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2021/8/16/22628085/biden-afghanistan-3-5-trillion-budget-jesse-jackson|title=President Biden gets America's priorities right|date=August 16, 2021|first=Jesse|last=Jackson|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref>
On August 3, 2021, Jackson and several others were arrested after protesting for Congress to end the filibuster, protect voting rights and raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/jesse-jackson-rev-arrested-arrest-news/10926953/|title=Jesse Jackson arrest: Chicago activist arrested in Washington, DC while protesting for voting rights|date=August 3, 2021|publisher=ABC7}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/08/02/jesse-jackson-protest-voting-rights-dc/|title=Jesse Jackson among voting rights protesters arrested in D.C.|first=Ellie|last=Silverman|date=August 2, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> In 2022, he wrote to an Argentinian judge in defense of the leaders of a yoga school who had been accused of forcing women into prostitution.<ref>{{cite news|title=It Called Itself a Yoga School. Prosecutors Say It Was a Sex Cult|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 8, 2024|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/08/world/americas/argentina-yoga-school-sex-cult.html|first=Ana|last=Lankes}}</ref> Ahead of the 2023 State of the Union Address, Jackson wrote an op-ed calling for Biden "to lay out a plan—and to call the Congress to act" by extending the Child Tax Credit to low-income workers and the poor, making voter registration automatic, limiting big money in politics, and reviving the Voting Rights Act.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://seattlemedium.com/jesse-jackson-on-president-bidens-state-of-the-union/|title=Jesse Jackson On President Biden's State Of The Union|website=The Seattle Medium|date=February 20, 2023|first=Jesse|last=Jackson}}</ref> On March 5, Jackson attended an event on the Edmund Pettus Bridge commemorating the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and spoke with Biden.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/05/us/politics/biden-voting-rights-selma.html|title=Biden, in Selma, Says Voting Rights Are Still 'Under Assault'|date=March 5, 2023|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Katie|last=Rogers}}</ref>
In July 2023, Jackson announced his plans to step down as the leader of Rainbow/PUSH.<ref name="cnn_july14">{{cite news |first=Raja |last=Razek |author2=Ashley R. Williams |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/14/us/jesse-jackson-rainbow-push-coalition/index.html |title=Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson to step down as Rainbow PUSH Coalition president |date=July 14, 2023 |work=CNN}}</ref><ref name="dw_july14">{{cite news |url=https://www.dw.com/en/jesse-jackson-to-step-down-from-his-civil-rights-group/a-66240838 |title=Jesse Jackson to step down from his civil rights group |date=July 15, 2023 |work=Deutsche Welle}}</ref><ref name="npr_july14">{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/14/1187864773/jesse-jackson-rainbow-push-retiring |title=Jesse Jackson to retire as head of civil rights organization Rainbow PUSH |date=July 14, 2023 |work=National Public Radio |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> His decision was caused by his advanced age as well as health complications: Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017 and was hospitalized twice in 2021, after testing positive for COVID-19 and then after a head injury.<ref name="dw_july14" /><ref name="npr_july14" /> Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said that Jackson was "an architect of the soul of Chicago... His faith, his perseverance, his love, and his relentless dedication to people inspire all of us to keep pushing for a better tomorrow".<ref name="npr_july14" /> Al Sharpton, a civil rights activist, said he considers Jackson his mentor, "the resignation of Reverend Jesse Jackson is the pivoting of one of the most productive, prophetic, and dominant figures in the struggle for social justice in American history".<ref name="npr_july14" /> In May 2024, Jackson wrote in ''The Chicago Maroon'' about the Gaza war. He condemned the October 7 attacks, but said that Israel's response, an attack on Palestinian civilians, was a "massacre". He expressed support for pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses and compared them to divestment campaigns for South Africa, which were proposed in the 1960s but did not ramp up until the mid-1980s.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Message to the Protesters From Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. |url=https://chicagomaroon.com/42811/viewpoints/op-ed/a-message-to-the-protesters-from-reverend-jesse-l-jackson-sr/ |website=chicagomaroon.com |publisher=The Chicago Maroon|date=May 3, 2024 |access-date=September 29, 2024|first=Jesse L.|last=Jackson, Sr.}}</ref>
==Posthumous political impact==
In March 2026, during the Illinois US Senate Democratic primary, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said that Jackson had included her in a list of endorsements before his death. On the day before the primary, Yusef Jackson issued a statement walking back the alleged endorsement, saying the process had not been finalized.
==Electoral history== {{Election box begin no party no change|title=1984 Democratic Party presidential primaries}} {{Election box winning candidate no party no change |candidate=Walter Mondale |votes= 6,952,912 |percentage=38.32}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Gary Hart |votes= 6,504,842 |percentage=35.85}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate='''Jesse Jackson''' |votes='''3,282,431''' |percentage='''18.09'''}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=John Glenn |votes=617,909 |percentage=3.41}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate= George McGovern |votes=334,801 |percentage=1.85}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate= Unpledged |votes=146,212 |percentage=0.81}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate= Lyndon LaRouche |votes=123,649 |percentage=0.68}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Reubin O'Donovan Askew |votes=52,759 |percentage=0.29}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Alan Cranston |votes=51,437 |percentage=0.28}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Ernest Hollings |votes=33,684 |percentage=0.19}} {{End}}
{{Election box begin no party no change|title=1984 Democratic National Convention delegate voting}} {{Election box winning candidate no party no change |candidate=Walter Mondale |votes=2,191 |percentage=56.41}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Gary Hart |votes=1,201 |percentage=30.92}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate='''Jesse Jackson''' |votes='''466''' |percentage='''12.00'''}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Thomas F. Eagleton |votes=18 |percentage=0.46}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=George McGovern |votes=4 |percentage=0.10}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=John Glenn |votes=2 |percentage=0.05}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Joe Biden |votes=1 |percentage=0.03}} {{End}}
{{Election box begin no party no change|title=1988 Democratic presidential primaries}} {{Election box winning candidate no party no change |candidate=Michael Dukakis |votes= 9,898,750 |percentage=42.47}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate='''Jesse Jackson''' |votes= '''6,788,991''' |percentage='''29.13'''}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate= Al Gore |votes=3,185,806 |percentage=13.67}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate= Dick Gephardt |votes=1,399,041 |percentage=6.00}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate= Paul M. Simon |votes= 1,082,960 |percentage=4.65}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Gary Hart |votes=415,716 |percentage=1.78}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate= Unpledged |votes=250,307 |percentage=1.07}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Bruce Babbitt |votes=77,780 |percentage=0.33}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate= Lyndon LaRouche |votes=70,938 |percentage=0.30}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate= David Duke |votes=45,289 |percentage=0.19}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=James Traficant |votes=30,879 |percentage=0.13}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Douglas E. Applegate |votes= 25,068 |percentage=0.11}} {{End}}
{{Election box begin no party no change|title=1988 Democratic National Convention delegate voting}} {{Election box winning candidate no party no change |candidate= Michael Dukakis |votes= 2,877 |percentage=70.09}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate='''Jesse Jackson''' |votes='''1,219''' |percentage='''29.70'''}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Richard H. Stallings |votes=3 |percentage=0.07}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate= Joe Biden |votes=2 |percentage=0.05}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Dick Gephardt |votes=2 |percentage=0.05}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Lloyd Bentsen |votes=1 |percentage=0.02}} {{Election box candidate no party no change |candidate=Gary Hart |votes=1 |percentage=0.02}} {{End}}
{{Election box open primary begin no change|title=Shadow Senator from District of Columbia, 1990<ref>Two candidates who won the highest number of vote take two shadow seats.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=569210|title=1990 DC Shadow Senator – D Primary|website=Our Campaigns|accessdate=April 4, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=132437|title=1990 DC Shadow Senator|website=Our Campaigns|access-date=March 5, 2021}}</ref>}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |political_party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Jesse Jackson |votes = 85,454 |percentage = 57.03 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |political_party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Florence Pendleton |votes = 25,349 |percentage = 16.92 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Harry "Tommy" Thomas Jr. |votes = 22,401 |percentage = 14.95 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = James Forman |votes = 9,899 |percentage = 6.61 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Marc Humphries |votes = 6,739 |percentage = 4.50 }} {{Election box total no change |votes = 149,842 |percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box open primary general election no change}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |political_party=Democratic Party (United States) |candidate=Jesse Jackson |votes=105,633 |percentage=46.80}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |political_party=Democratic Party (United States) |candidate=Florence Pendleton |votes=58,451 |percentage=25.89}} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party=Independent politician |candidate=Harry T. Alexander |votes=13,983 |percentage=6.19}} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Milton Francis |votes= 13,538 |percentage=6.00}} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party=Republican Party (United States) |candidate=Joan Gillison |votes=12,845 |percentage=5.69}} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party=D.C. Statehood Green Party |candidate=Keith M. Wilkerson |votes= 4,545 |percentage=2.01}} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party=D.C. Statehood Green Party |candidate=Anthony W. Peacock |votes=4,285 |percentage=1.90}} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party=Independent politician |candidate=John West |votes=3,621 |percentage=1.60}} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party=Independent politician |candidate=David L. Whitehead |votes=3,341 |percentage=1.48}} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party=Socialist Workers Party (United States) |candidate=Sam Manuel |votes= 2,765 |percentage=1.23}} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |political_party=Independent politician |candidate=Lee Black |votes=2,728 |percentage=1.21}} {{Election box total no change |votes=215,735 |percentage=100.00}} {{Election box new seat win |winner=Democratic Party (United States)}} {{End}}
== Personal life == === Marriage and family === [[File:20120811 Jesse Jackson at the Bud Billiken Parade.jpg|thumb|300px|Jackson at the 2012 Bud Billiken Parade]] Jackson married Jacqueline Lavinia Brown (born 1944) on December 31, 1962,<ref name=aims/> and together they had five children, including political commentator Santita (1963), former U.S. representative Jesse Jr. (1965), attorney Yusef (1970), and U.S. representative Jonathan Luther (1966).<ref name="voices"/>
Jackson's younger brother, Charles "Chuck", was a singer with the vocal group The Independents and released two albums as a solo artist in the late 1970s. Along with his songwriting partner and fellow producer, Marvin Yancy, he was largely responsible for launching Natalie Cole's career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/chuck-jackson-marvin-yancy/biography/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124161808/http://www.mtv.com/artists/chuck-jackson-marvin-yancy/biography/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2016|title=About Chuck Jackson, Marvin Yancy|access-date=September 1, 2013|website=MTV}}</ref>
On May 25, 1987, Jackson was made a Master Mason on Sight by Grand Master Senter of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois, thereby becoming a Prince Hall Freemason.<ref name="mason"/> Jackson had friendships with Ted Kennedy,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/aug/30/jesse-jackson-ted-kennedy-tribute|title=Ted Kennedy gave us strength to achieve our dreams|date=August 29, 2009|first=Jesse|last=Jackson|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Bernie Sanders,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/08/17/politics/bernie-sanders-jesse-jackson-black-lives-matter/index.html|title=Bernie Sanders meets with 'long-time friend' Jesse Jackson|first=Dan|last=Merica|date=August 17, 2015|publisher=CNN|quote='Sen. Sanders is a long-time friend of Rev. Jackson. They held a very productive, hour-long meeting at Operation PUSH headquarters on important issues confronting the country and the African-American community,' Michael Briggs, Sanders' campaign spokesman, said in an email to CNN.}}</ref> Aretha Franklin,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/columnists/rochelle-riley/2018/08/15/aretha-franklin-civil-rights-detroit/996436002/|title=Jesse Jackson on Aretha Franklin's quiet but profound civil rights legacy|first=Rochelle|last=Riley|date=August 15, 2018|publisher=Detroit Free Press|quote='When Dr. King was alive, several times she helped us make payroll,' said the Rev. Jesse Jackson, her friend of more than 60 years, who planned to visit her Wednesday. 'On one occasion, we took an 11-city tour with her as Aretha Franklin and Harry Belafonte ... and they put gas in the vans. She did 11 concerts for free and hosted us at her home and did a fundraiser for my campaign. Aretha has always been a very socially conscious artist, an inspiration, not just an entertainer.'}}</ref> Bobby Bland,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.actionnews5.com/story/22704934/friends-family-remember-legend-bobby-blue-bland/|title=B.B. King, Rev. Jesse Jackson pay tribute to Blues legend Bobby 'Blue' Bland|date=June 27, 2013|quote='Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, the Allman Brothers, Elvis Presley looked up to Bobby Blue Bland. He was simply the best at honing his skills,' said friend Rev. Jesse Jackson.}}</ref> Elijah Cummings,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/18/opinions/elijah-cummings-tribute-jackson/index.html|title=Jesse Jackson: Elijah Cummings was a man of dignity and discipline|date=October 18, 2019|first=Jesse|last=Jackson|publisher=CNN|quote=Indeed, it has been one of the great joys of my life to watch the nation get to know, respect and admire this great patriot, public servant and man of God. Rest in peace and power, my dear friend.}}</ref> John Lewis,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbez.org/stories/rev-jesse-jackson-sr-on-his-friend-and-fellow-civil-rights-leader-john-lewis/ab612152-c3c4-4a8e-b6c2-91085730d2c2|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., On His Friend And Fellow Civil Rights Leader John Lewis|date=July 24, 2020|publisher=WBEZChicago}}</ref> Maxine Waters,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chicagocrusader.com/nnpa-honors-maxine-waters-and-other-leaders/|title=NNPA honors Maxine Waters and other leaders|date=September 25, 2018|first=Stacy M.|last=Brown|quote=In her typical fiery yet still eloquent way, Waters spoke passionately about her and other Democrats' mission to impeach President Donald Trump – though, like all of the recipients, she never mentioned the president by name, only referring to him as 'Number 45.' 'My friend Jesse Jackson said if you fight, you can win. If you don't fight, you will never know if you can win,' said Waters, who also took time to heap praise upon NNPA National Chairman Dorothy R. Leavell, the publisher of the Crusader newspapers in Gary, Indiana and Chicago.}}</ref> and Michael Jackson.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rev-jackson-ill-remember-michaels-joy/|title=Rev. Jackson: I'll Remember Michael's Joy|date=July 7, 2009|publisher=CBS News}}</ref>
In January 2001, it was revealed that Jackson had had an affair with a staffer, Karin Stanford, which resulted in the birth of a daughter in May 1999. According to CNN, in August 1999 the Rainbow Push Coalition paid Stanford $15,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=15000|start_year=1999|r=-1|fmt=eq}}) in moving expenses and $21,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=21000|start_year=1999|r=-1|fmt=eq}}) for contracting work. A promised advance of an additional $40,000 against future contracting work was rescinded once the affair became public.<ref name="financial ties"/> This incident prompted Jackson to withdraw from activism for a short period.<ref name = "salon-jackson"/> He was paying $4,000 a month in child support as of 2001.<ref name="jackson.mistress"/> CNN suspended, and later canceled, ''Both Sides with Jesse Jackson''.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Prez, kin support Jackson|first=Martin|last=Mbugua|first2=Dave|last2=Saltonstall|work=New York Daily News|page=4|date=January 19, 2001|id={{ProQuest|305566600}} }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|first=Peter|last=Noel|work=The Village Voice|title=The 'wrongs' of 'Mr. civil rights'|pages=41–44|date=May 8, 2001|id={{ProQuest|232227117}} }}</ref>
=== Health issues === In September 2008, Jackson was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after experiencing dehydration and stomach pains. Doctors diagnosed him with viral gastroenteritis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2008/09/04/rev-jesse-jackson-hospitalized-due-to-stomach-pains/31577659007/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson hospitalized due to stomach pains|date=September 4, 2008|publisher=Gainesville}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-sep-05-na-briefs5.s3-story.html|title=Jesse Jackson is hospitalized|date=September 5, 2008|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> In November 2017, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/17/health/jesse-jackson-parkinsons-bn/index.html|title=Jesse Jackson diagnosed with Parkinson's disease|website=CNN|first=Susan |last=Scutti|access-date=December 12, 2017|date=November 17, 2017}}</ref> In August 2021, he and his wife were hospitalized with COVID-19 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Andes |first1=Natalie |last2=Silverman |first2=Hollie |last3=Elassar |first3=Alaa |title=Rev. Jesse Jackson and his wife have been hospitalized after testing positive for Covid-19 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/21/us/rev-jesse-jackson-wife-hospitalized-coronavirus/index.html |access-date=August 23, 2021 |work=CNN |date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822145025/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/21/us/rev-jesse-jackson-wife-hospitalized-coronavirus/index.html |archive-date=August 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson hospitalised with COVID-19 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/22/civil-rights-leader-jesse-jackson-hospitalised-with-covid-19 |access-date=August 23, 2021 |work=Al Jazeera |date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822152747/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/22/civil-rights-leader-jesse-jackson-hospitalised-with-covid-19 |archive-date=August 22, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 27, it was reported that he had been transferred to a rehabilitation facility, while his wife had been moved to the intensive care unit.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reverend Jesse Jackson transferred to rehab facility, wife moved to ICU after COVID-19 hospitalizations|first=Zoe Christen|last=Jones|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reverend-jesse-jackson-covid-19-hospital-chicago-wife-icu/|date=August 28, 2021|access-date=August 29, 2021|website=www.cbsnews.com|language=en-US}}</ref> She was released from the hospital on September 4, while Jackson continued to receive care for Parkinson's.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rose |first1=Andy |title=Jacqueline Jackson, the wife of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, is home after hospitalization for Covid-19 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/03/us/jacqueline-jackson-covid-hospital-discharge/index.html|website=CNN |date=September 4, 2021|access-date=September 18, 2021}}</ref>
In 2025, Jackson was hospitalized in Chicago from November 14 to 24. Rainbow PUSH said his diagnosis had been changed in April 2025 to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP),<ref name=jacksonnov13healthupdate>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/chicago-jesse-jackson-hospital-c3a34dc716b6d90c61459f226f266f48|title=Chicago civil rights leader Jesse Jackson hospitalized for rare neurological disorder|first=Sophia|last=Tareen|publisher=Associated Press|date=November 13, 2025|accessdate=November 13, 2025}}</ref> a neurodegenerative condition that has symptoms that can resemble those of Parkinson's.<ref name=neurodegenerative>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jesse-jackson-hospitalized-neurodegenerative-condition-rcna243755|title=Jesse Jackson hospitalized, under observation for a neurodegenerative condition|first=Minyvonne|last=Burke|publisher=NBC News|date=November 13, 2025|accessdate=November 13, 2025}}</ref><ref name=releasedfromhospitalnovember2025 /> Among those who visited him during his stay were Bill and Hillary Clinton, Al Sharpton, and Greg Mathis.<ref name=releasedfromhospitalnovember2025>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-hospital-discharge-6c0f22cd6ea9d5d0de872e04861c29c4|title=Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson leaves hospital after treatment for neurological disorder|publisher=Associated Press|date=November 26, 2025|accessdate=November 29, 2025}}</ref> In December, his family announced that he was in an acute nursing facility in stable condition and was expected to return home soon.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/reverend-jesse-jackson-expected-return-home-soon-chicago-hospitalization-family-says/18275351/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson expected to return home soon after hospitalization, family says|publisher=ABC7 Chicago|date=December 11, 2025|accessdate=December 12, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/rev-jesse-jackson-in-stable-condition-expected-to-be-home-soon-family-says/3861550/|title=soon, family says|first=Izzy|last=Stroobandt|publisher=NBC Chicago|date=December 11, 2025|accessdate=December 12, 2025}}</ref> He was discharged from the facility on December 22.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/reverend-jesse-jackson-discharged-acute-care-facility-family-says/18306173/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson discharged from acute care facility, family says|publisher=ABC7 Chicago|date=December 22, 2025|accessdate=January 7, 2026}}</ref>
== Death and funeral== [[File:20260306 Chicago Exequias reverendo Jesse Louis-Juan Cano1209554.jpg|thumb|Colombian president Gustavo Petro giving a eulogy at Jackson's funeral in March 2026.]] Jackson died at his home in Chicago on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-dies-43abb84d2ffc76d967f9a5596ebd0be1|title = The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84|last = Tareen|first = Sophia|date = February 17, 2026|accessdate = February 17, 2026|work = Associated Press}}</ref> His family announced his death on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=🙏🏽🕊️ |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DU2mUvPDoh9/ |access-date=February 17, 2026 |website=Instagram|last=Rainbow PUSH Coalition|last2=Jackson|first2=Yusef D.|date=February 17, 2026|author-link=Rainbow/PUSH|last3=Jackson Legacy Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title= The Rev. Jesse Jackson, pioneering civil rights activist and racial 'pathfinder,' dies at 84|url= https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/17/us/reverend-jesse-jackson-death|work=CNN|date=February 17, 2026|last=Stambraugh|first=Alex|access-date=February 17, 2026}}</ref>
=== Tributes === Tributes were published from U.S. President Donald Trump,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-honors-jesse-jackson-as-force-of-nature/|title=Trump honors Jesse Jackson as "force of nature"|first=Melissa|last=Quinn|work=CBS News|date=February 17, 2026|accessdate=February 17, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5741304-trump-praises-jesse-jackson-legacy/|title=Trump pays tribute to 'force of nature' Jesse Jackson|first=Ashleigh|last=Fields|work=The Hill|date=February 17, 2026|accessdate=February 17, 2026}}</ref> Al Sharpton, William Barber II, former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton (in a joint statement with his wife, Hillary),<ref name="arkansastributes">{{cite news|url=https://katv.com/news/local/arkansas-officials-organizations-react-to-death-of-civil-rights-icon-rev-jesse-jackson|title=Arkansas officials, organizations react to death of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson|first=Thomas|last=Farrar|work=KATV|date=February 17, 2026|accessdate=February 17, 2026}}</ref><ref name="sometributes">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/17/us/jesse-jackson-dead|title=Latest: Presidents and Faith Leaders Pay Tribute to Jesse Jackson|first=Claire|last=Moses|work=New York Times|date=February 17, 2026}}</ref> Barack Obama (in a joint statement with his wife, Michelle),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/barack-michelle-obama-jesse-jackson-dead-11907805|title=Barack and Michelle Obama Remember Jesse Jackson as a 'True Giant': 'We Stood on His Shoulders'|first=Paloma|last=Chavez|work=People|date=February 17, 2026|accessdate=February 17, 2026}}</ref> and Joe Biden, attorney Benjamin Crump, Chuck Schumer, Martin Luther King III, former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, former Ambassador Andrew Young, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, South Carolina U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, Alveda King, Hakeem Jeffries, Rahm Emanuel, Brandon Johnson, Raphael Warnock, Bernice King, Frank Scott Jr.,<ref name=arkansastributes /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Deva |date=February 17, 2026 |title=Live updates: Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson, Trump and others share tributes |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/rev-jesse-jackson-death-reactions-tributes-02-17-26 |access-date=February 17, 2026 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn, South Carolina State Representative Wendell Gilliard, Benedict College,<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 17, 2026 |title=Gov. McMaster, Rev. Al Shaprton, others react to death of Rev. Jesse Jackson |url=https://www.wistv.com/2026/02/17/gov-mcmaster-rev-al-shaprton-others-react-death-rev-jesse-jackson/ |access-date=February 17, 2026 |website=WIS-TV |language=en}}</ref> and King Charles III.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 18, 2026 |title=A message from The King on the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson |url=https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2026-02-18/a-message-from-the-king-on-the-death-of-reverend-jesse-jackson |access-date=February 18, 2026 |website=Royal.uk |publisher=The Royal Household}}</ref> On February 28, 2026, NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson paid tribute to Jesse Jackson at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, televised on CBS and BET. Samuel L. Jackson dressed in African attire and invoked Jesse Jackson's "keep hope alive" and "I am somebody" messages. Jackson's family was in attendance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bet.com/article/bez7tu/samuel-l-jackson-honors-rev-jesse-jackson-at-2026-naacp-image-awards-in-powerful-personal-tribute|title=Samuel L. Jackson Honors Rev. Jesse Jackson at 2026 NAACP Image Awards in Powerful, Personal Tribute|work=BET|date=February 28, 2026|accessdate=March 1, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/2026-naacp-image-awards-winners-list-1236518330/|title=2026 NAACP Image Awards: 'Sinners' Dominates With 13 Wins, Including Best Motion Picture|first=Hilary|last=Lewis|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 28, 2026|accessdate=February 28, 2026}}</ref>
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities lowered to half-staff from sunrise on February 19 to sunset on February 28.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lowering U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Civil Rights Activist Rev. Jesse L. Jackson {{!}} NC DOA |url=https://www.doa.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/02/18/lowering-us-and-nc-flags-half-staff-honor-civil-rights-activist-rev-jesse-l-jackson |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=www.doa.nc.gov |language=en}}</ref> Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also ordered the lowering of state flags during this period.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Now |first=Capitol City |date=2026-02-19 |title=Illinois lowers flags to half-staff for Jesse Jackson - Capitol City Now |url=https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-illinois-lowers-flags-to-half-staff-for-jesse-jackson/ |access-date=2026-02-19 |language=en-US}}</ref> Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear ordered flags lowered on March 7, the day of Jackson's funeral.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tock |first=Olivia |date=2026-02-21 |title=Gov. Beshear orders flags at half-staff for Jesse Jackson on March 7 |url=https://www.wave3.com/2026/02/21/gov-beshear-orders-flags-half-staff-jesse-jackson-march-7/ |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=KFVS-TV |language=en}}</ref> Colorado Governor Jared Polis ordered flags lowered on March 5 and 6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Governor Polis Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Jesse Jackson {{!}} Colorado Governor Jared Polis |url=https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-orders-flags-half-staff-honor-jesse-jackson |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=www.colorado.gov}}</ref> Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered flags lowered on February 26 and 27.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Afana |first=Dana |title=Whitmer orders lowering flags to half-staff to honor Jesse Jackson |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2026/02/25/gov-gretchen-whitmer-flags-half-staff-jesse-jackson/88860915007/ |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref> Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags lowered from sunrise to sunset on February 27.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-24 |title=Gov. Reynolds orders flags at half-staff in honor, remembrance of Rev. Jesse Jackson {{!}} Governor Kim Reynolds |url=https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-02-24/gov-reynolds-orders-flags-half-staff-honor-remembrance-rev-jesse-jackson |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=governor.iowa.gov |language=en}}</ref> Flags were ordered lowered in Connecticut,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Governor Lamont Directs Flags To Half-Staff on March 7 in Honor of Civil Rights Leader Reverend Jesse Jackson |url=https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/02-2026/governor-lamont-directs-flags-to-half-staff-on-march-7-in-honor-of-jesse-jackson |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=CT.gov |language=en}}</ref> New York,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Governor Hochul Directs State Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Civil Rights Leader Reverend Jesse Jackson {{!}} Governor Kathy Hochul |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-directs-state-flags-half-staff-honor-civil-rights-leader-reverend-jesse |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=www.governor.ny.gov |language=en}}</ref> Delaware,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Delaware News |date=2026-02-17 |title=Governor Meyer Orders the Lowering of Flags to Honor the Lives of George Bunting and John Viola; Rev. Jesse Jackson |url=https://news.delaware.gov/2026/02/17/governor-meyer-orders-the-lowering-of-flags-to-honor-the-lives-of-george-bunting-and-john-viola-rev-jesse-jackson-2/ |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=State of Delaware News |language=en-US}}</ref> New Jersey,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayor Baraka orders flags lowered to half staff in honor of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson • Newark, NJ |url=https://www.newarknj.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/184 |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=www.newarknj.gov |language=en}}</ref> Minnesota,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-24 |title=Governor orders flags at half-staff two days this week to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson |url=https://www.twincities.com/2026/02/23/governor-orders-flags-at-half-staff-two-days-this-week-to-honor-rev-jesse-jackson/ |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=Twin Cities |language=en-US}}</ref> Pennsylvania<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rego |first=Max |date=February 26, 2026 |title=Here are the states putting flags at half-staff for Jesse Jackson |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5757184-here-are-the-states-putting-flags-at-half-staff-for-jesse-jackson/ |access-date=February 28, 2026 |work=The Hill}}</ref> and the District of Columbia.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Swalec |first1=Andrea |last2=Tareen |first2=Sophia {{!}} Associated Press |date=2026-02-27 |title=DC lowers flags to half-staff to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/dc-lowers-flags-to-half-staff-to-honor-rev-jesse-jackson/4067923/ |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=NBC4 Washington |language=en-US}}</ref> South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster's office announced that flags would be lowered on March 2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rainey |first=Zach |date=2026-02-24 |title=Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in state at South Carolina Statehouse |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/jesse-jackson-lie-in-state-sc-statehouse/70469441 |access-date=2026-02-24 |website=WYFF |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wistv.com/2026/02/23/rev-jesse-jackson-lie-state-south-carolina-state-house/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in state at South Carolina State House|first=Marley|last=Bassett|publisher=WIS|date=February 23, 2026|accessdate=February 26, 2026}}</ref>
On February 18, Jackson's family revealed that as part of his celebration of life services, Jackson would lie in state at the Rainbow/PUSH headquarters in Chicago on February 26 and 27.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/jesse-jackson-death-reverends-family-speak-wednesday-chicago-civil-rights-icon/18615389/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson's family speaks on death of civil rights icon|first=Evelyn|last=Holmes|publisher=WLS|date=February 18, 2026|accessdate=February 18, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/triad/politics/2026/02/18/jesse-jackson-celebration-of-life|title=Jesse Jackson celebration of life scheduled for next week|first=Susan|last=Carpenter|publisher=Spectrum News 1|date=February 18, 2026|accessdate=February 18, 2026}}</ref> Plans were later expanded to include celebrations in South Carolina and Washington, D.C.,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rainey |first=Zach |date=2026-02-20 |title=Rainbow PUSH adds D.C. and South Carolina dates to Jesse Jackson's Celebration of Life services |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/rev-jesse-jackson-funeral-chicago-greenville-dc-schedule/70425038 |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=WYFF |language=en}}</ref> with the church service and final celebration in Chicago moved to March 6 and 7.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jesse Louis Jackson |url=https://www.jessejacksonlegacy.com/ |access-date=2026-02-21 |website=Jesse Louis Jackson |language=en-US}}</ref> A request for Jackson to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol was denied by Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/speaker-mike-johnson-denies-request-rev-jesse-jackson-lie-honor-capito-rcna259978|title=Speaker Mike Johnson denies request for the Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in honor in Capitol|date=February 20, 2026|website=NBC News}}</ref> On March 1, Jackson's wife Jacqueline became ill in Nashville, and plans were made for her to return to Chicago after being released from care.<ref name="lyinginstate" /> The Jackson family stated their intention to "honor its commitment to the State of South Carolina" and afterward "return home to Chicago".<ref name="lyinginstate" /> The Washington D.C. service was postponed.<ref name="southcarolinathenreturntochicago">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/procession-rev-jesse-jacksons-casket-chicago-to-south-carolina/|title=Procession leads Rev. Jesse Jackson's casket from Chicago to South Carolina for continued services|first=Elyssa|last=Kaufman|publisher=CBS Chicago|date=March 1, 2026|accessdate=March 1, 2026}}</ref><ref name="lyinginstate" />
=== Illinois lying in state and service === On February 26, Jackson's casket arrived at Rainbow/PUSH headquarters, and Jackson lay in state there in an open casket starting at 10 a.m.<ref name="somecelebrationoflifehonors">{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-memorial-services-chicago-649518382cd9f37a49fe393a6c9ec09b |title=Crowds of mourners line up for memorial services for Jesse Jackson at his Chicago organization |first=Sophia |last=Tareen |work=Associated Press |date=February 26, 2026 |accessdate=February 26, 2026}}</ref><ref name="lyinginstate">{{cite news |url=https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/when-is-reverend-jesse-jacksons-funeral-celebration-life-begins-thursday-see-schedule-arrangements-live-updates/18650377/entry/18652952/ |title=Rev. Jesse Jackson visitation begins at PUSH HQ : Live Updates |work=ABC 7 Chicago |date=February 26, 2026 |accessdate=February 26, 2026}}</ref> At the February 26 service, Al Sharpton made remarks, with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, former Congressman Bobby Rush, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart among those in attendance.<ref name="lyinginstate" /> Public viewing took place for a second and final time at the Rainbow/PUSH headquarters on February 27.<ref name="lyinginstate" /> On February 28, the Jackson cortege departed Chicago.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-nh7axgokdfaoawyk|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson's body moves to South Carolina|work=Fox 32 Chicago|date=February 28, 2026|access-date=March 1, 2026}}</ref>
=== South Carolina lying in state and service === On March 1, the Jackson cortege arrived in Columbia, South Carolina.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVSyMQ4ChsL/|title=Body of Rev. Jesse Jackson to arrive in Columbia on Saturday - Rev. Jesse Jackson will return home to South Carolina on Saturday ahead of lying in state and a memorial service on Monday.|author=((news19wltx))|publisher=Instagram|accessdate=February 28, 2026}}</ref> While in South Carolina, Jackson's body was kept at Leevy's Funeral Home in Columbia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://leevy.com/obituary/reverend-jesse-l-jackson/|title=Reverend Jesse L. Jackson|publisher=Leevy's Funeral Home|accessdate=March 1, 2026}}</ref>{{external media| float = right| video1 = [https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/jesse-jackson-memorial-service-in-south-carolina/674413 Jesse Jackson memorial service, Columbia, South Carolina, March 2, 2026], C-SPAN}} On March 2, Jackson's casket, draped with an American flag, departed Leevy's Funeral Home and arrived at the South Carolina State House on a horse-drawn carriage.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/jesse-jackson-horse-drawn-procession-south-carolina/70574239 |title=Rev. Jesse Jackson's body arrives at South Carolina State House in horse-drawn procession |date=2026-03-02 |last=Moore |first=Stephanie |language=en |access-date=2026-03-12 |via=www.wyff4.com}}</ref> After it entered the State House rotunda, a private ceremony was held for the Jackson family. Among those in attendance were former Ambassador Andrew Young, former State Representative I. S. Leevy Johnson, South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus Chair Representative Annie McDaniel, television judge Greg Mathis, University of South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, and State Representative Wendell Gilliard.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/jesse-jackson-lying-in-state-statehouse-whos-there/article_d605b621-166d-4462-8188-e67ab7226fa1.html|title=Many prominent leaders on hand as Jesse Jackson lies in state. Who’s there?|first=Nick|last=Reynolds|publisher=The Post and Courier|date=March 2, 2026|accessdate=March 2, 2026}}</ref><ref name="southcarolinastatehouseliesinstate">{{cite news|url=https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article314885079.html|title=Former ambassador, Black lawmakers among those in SC to honor Jesse Jackson|first=Matt|last=Kelley|publisher=The State|date=March 2, 2026|accessdate=March 2, 2026}}</ref><ref name="southcarolinastatehouseliein">{{cite news|url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/02/rev-jesse-jackson-honored-south-carolina-statehouse-columbia/88944228007/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson lies in state at South Carolina Statehouse|first=Bella|last=Carpenter|publisher=Greenville News|date=March 2, 2026|accessdate=March 2, 2026}}</ref>
After this ceremony,<ref name="arrivesatsouthcarolinastatehouse">{{cite news|url=https://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/south-carolina-jesse-jackson-memorial-livestream/101-937c72a9-a43b-44ae-8f29-7a0388cb1ea8|title=Jesse Jackson to be given large tribute today in South Carolina. Here's what to know, how to watch|publisher=WLTX|date=March 2, 2026|accessdate=March 2, 2026}}</ref><ref name="march2026southcarolinaservices">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R0evKP9kbY|title=Reverend Jesse Jackson: A Day of Remembrance|author=SCETV|publisher=YouTube|date=March 2, 2026|accessdate=March 2, 2026}}</ref> Jackson lay in state at the South Carolina State House, <ref name="southcarolinastatehouseliesinstate" /> the second African American to be so honored after Clementa Pinckney.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-lie-state-south-carolina-5e8200205d0b30ae55f7583984ae46c1|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson returns home to South Carolina to lie in state|first=Jeffrey|last=Collins|work=Associated Press|date=March 2, 2026|accessdate=March 2, 2026}}</ref> Flags on top of the State House were lowered from sunrise to sunset, as directed by Governor McMaster.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. to Lie in State at South Carolina Statehouse {{!}} S.C. Governor Henry McMaster |url=https://governor.sc.gov/news/2026-02/reverend-jesse-jackson-sr-lie-state-south-carolina-statehouse |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=governor.sc.gov}}</ref> Afterward, a public memorial service was held at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, South Carolina, with eldest child Santita Jackson, Congressman Jim Clyburn, Columbia, South Carolina mayor and Biden Appointee Stephen K. Benjamin, Benedict College president Roslyn Artis, CNN Commentor Bakari Sellers and civil rights activist Cleveland Sellers and former State Representative James Felder, among the speakers.<ref name="brooklandchurchmemorialservice">{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL3cuKoIbcA|title=Memorial service for Rev. Jesse Jackson at Brookland Baptist Church|author=Wach Fox|publisher=YouTube|date=March 2, 2026|accessdate=March 2, 2026}}</ref><ref name="casketabsentbrooklandchuchservice">{{cite news|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/news/local_state_news/live-updates-jesse-jackson-funeral-sc-statehouse/article_970de9ca-4843-4050-ad07-14b48a747441.html|title=Live updates: Jesse Jackson Jr., Steve Benjamin speak at Brookland Baptist service for Rev. Jackson|publisher=The Post and Courier|date=March 2, 2026|accessdate=March 2, 2026}}</ref><ref name="lyinginstate" /> Priscilla Williams-Till, a cousin of Emmett Till, attended the service and gave remarks to the press about links between Jackson, Emmett, and his mother Mamie Till.<ref>Gonyo, Meghan (2026-03-03). "South Carolinians honor Rev. Jesse Jackson with memorial service in West Columbia". WPDE. Retrieved 2026-03-03.</ref> {{external media| float=right| video1=[https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-presidents-obama-clinton-biden-attend-rev-jesse-jackson-memorial-service/674714 Jesse Jackson memorial service, House of Hope, Chicago, March 6, 2026], C-SPAN}} The Jackson family left South Carolina on March 5.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/rev-jesse-jackson-services-honor-civil-rights-icon-expanded-include-chicago-south-carolina-washington-dc/18622089/|title=Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson: Services expanded to include Chicago, South Carolina|publisher=ABC 7 Chicago|date=March 3, 2026|accessdate=March 5, 2026}}</ref><ref name="lyinginstate" />
=== Illinois public and private funeral === On March 6, former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden and former First Ladies Hillary Clinton and Jill Biden attended Jackson's House of Hope memorial service.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/rev-jesse-jackson-funeral-chicago-obama-clinton-biden/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson funeral in Chicago will be attended by Obama, Clintons, Bidens on Friday|first1=Sara|last1=Tenenbaum|first2=Noel|last2=Brennan|publisher=CBS Chicago|date=March 4, 2026|accessdate=March 4, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/former-us-presidents-to-attend-memorial-for-rev-jesse-jackson-in-chicago/|title=Former US presidents to attend memorial for Rev. Jesse Jackson in Chicago|first=Tahman|last=Bradley|publisher=WGN-TV|date=March 4, 2026|accessdate=March 5, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/3-former-presidents-to-travel-to-chicago-for-services-honoring-rev-jesse-jackson/3903079/|title=3 former presidents to travel to Chicago for services honoring Rev. Jesse Jackson|first=James|last=Neveau|publisher=NBC Chicago|date=March 4, 2026|accessdate=March 5, 2026}}</ref> James Meeks and Charles Jenkins co-officiated.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/speakers-named-for-rev-jesse-jacksons-celebration-of-life-service/3902790/ |title=Speakers named for Rev. Jesse Jackson's Celebration of Life service at Chicago's House of Hope|first=James|last=Neveau|publisher=NBC Chicago|date=March 3, 2026|accessdate=March 5, 2026}}</ref> Jackson family members, President Clinton, President Obama, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Colombia president Gustavo Petro spoke at the public service.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wgbh.org/news/2026-03-06/watch-live-homegoing-service-celebrates-civil-rights-leader-jesse-jackson-in-chicago|title=Watch here: Homegoing service for civil rights leader Jesse Jackson|first=Bill|last=Chappell|publisher=WGBH|date=March 6, 2026|accessdate=March 6, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/who-is-speaking-and-performing-at-rev-jesse-jacksons-funeral-heres-the-schedule/3904063/|title=Who is speaking and performing at Rev. Jesse Jackson's funeral? Here's the schedule|publisher=NBC Chicago|date=March 6, 2026|accessdate=March 6, 2026}}</ref><ref name="houseofhopememorialservice">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/house-of-hope-chicago-jesse-jackson-public-services-list-of-speakers/3903999/|title=Thousands to gather at Chicago church for public celebration of Rev. Jesse Jackson|first=James|last=Neveau|publisher=NBC Chicago|date=March 6, 2026|accessdate=March 6, 2026}}</ref><ref name="houseofhopeservicevideo">{{cite web|url=https://www.c-span.org/event/public-affairs-event/fmr-presidents-obama-clinton-biden-attend-rev-jesse-jackson-memorial-service/440989|title=Fmr. Presidents Obama, Clinton & Biden Attend Rev. Jesse Jackson Memorial Service|publisher=C-SPAN|date=March 6, 2026|accessdate=March 6, 2026}}</ref> Jackson's final memorial service, which involved members of his family and African leaders such as South African president Cyril Ramaphosa and Democratic Republic of Congo president Felix Tshisekedi, was held at Rainbow/PUSH headquarters on March 7.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/jackson-private-memorial-rainbow-push-chicago-73d5672e29f56cd15160e1d8514dab4d|title=After president-filled celebration, Rev. Jesse Jackson's family gathers for intimate final goodbye|first=Matt|last=Brown|publisher=Associated Press|date=March 7, 2026|accessdate=March 7, 2026}}</ref> Jackson was buried at a private service at Oak Woods Cemetery.<ref name="burial">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/saturday-jesse-jackson-celebration-of-life-rainbow-push/|title=Private funeral service held for Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow PUSH headquarters|first1=Elyssa|last1=Kaufman|first2=Marissa|last2=Sulek|first3=Sara|last3=Tenenbaum|publisher=CBS Chicago|date=March 7, 2026|accessdate=March 7, 2026}}</ref>
== Legacy == {{Expand section|date=February 2026}}
=== Awards and honors ===
In 1969, Jackson was named Omega Psi Phi Outstanding Citizen of the Year.
''Ebony Magazine'' named Jackson to its "100 most influential black Americans" list in 1971.<ref name="chief" />
In 1979, Jackson received the Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jeffersonawards.org/pastwinners/national|title=National Winners|website= Jefferson Awards for Public Service|publisher=Jefferson Awards Foundation|access-date=August 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124043935/http://jeffersonawards.org/pastwinners/national|archive-date=November 24, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 1988, the NAACP awarded Jackson its President's Award,<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 11, 1988 |title=NAACP Honors Jesse Jackson, Eddie Murphy |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-12-11-me-530-story.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> and the next year, the organization awarded him the Spingarn Medal.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Julie |date=July 14, 1989 |title=N.A.A.C.P., Long at Odds With Jackson, Is Giving Him Award |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/14/us/naacp-long-at-odds-with-jackson-is-giving-him-award.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |work=The New York Timesnewspaper |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
In 1991, Jackson received the American Whig–Cliosophic Society's James Madison Award for Distinguished Public Service.<ref name="madison award" />
In 1999, Jackson received the Golden Doves for Peace journalistic prize awarded by the Italian Research Institute Archive Disarmo.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 26, 1999 |title=Jackson is not ready to celebrate |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/06/26/jackson-is-not-ready-to-celebrate/ |work=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref>
In 1999, Jackson received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, from Governor Jim Hodges.
In 2000, Bill Clinton awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest honor bestowed on civilians.<ref name="medal of freedom" />
In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante included Jackson on his list of ''100 Greatest African Americans''.<ref name="100 greatest" />
In 2008, Jackson was presented with an Honorary Fellowship from Edge Hill University. In an AP-AOL "Black Voices" poll in February 2006, Jackson was voted "the most important black leader".<ref name="poll" />
In 2009, Jackson inherited the title of the High Prince of the Agni people of Côte d'Ivoire from Michael Jackson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=By |date=2026-02-18 |title=Jesse Jackson's Africa policy |url=https://africasacountry.com/2009/09/jesse-jackson-and-the-ivorian-crisis |access-date=2026-02-18 |website=africasacountry.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The same year, he was crowned Prince Côte Nana by Amon N'Douffou V, King of Krindjabo, who rules more than a million Agni tribespeople.<ref name="african" /> Jackson and his wife were also titleholders in the Nigerian chieftaincy system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsmakerslive.org/jesse-jackson-wife-emerge-as-grand-baba-grand-yeye-as-african-festival-of-the-arts-ends-in-u-s/|website=newsmakerslive.org|title=Jesse Jackson and wife emerge as Grand Baba and Grand Yeye as African festival of the arts ends in U.S.|accessdate=February 18, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://africasacountry.com/2026/02/ayatese#:~:text=When%20the%20then%20Oyo%20monarch,in%20a%20state%20of%20disrepair.|website=africaisacountry.com|title=Ayatese|accessdate=February 22, 2026}}</ref>
In 2015, Jackson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Edinburgh, in recognition of decades of campaigning for civil rights.<ref>{{cite web |title=Honorary degree for Jesse Jackson |url=https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2015/jesse-jackson-210815 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=2015 News |publisher=The University of Edinburgh}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=August 23, 2015 |title=Jesse Jackson receives University of Edinburgh honorary degree |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13621298.jesse-jackson-receives-university-edinburgh-honorary-degree/ |newspaper=The Herald}}</ref>
In 2021, Jackson was appointed Commander of the Legion of Honor, France's highest order of merit, presented by French president Emmanuel Macron, for his work in civil rights.<ref name="french loa">{{cite web |date=July 19, 2021 |title=France honours Rev. Jesse Jackson with the Legion d'Honneur |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/frances-honours-rev-jesse-jackson-with-legion-dhonneur-2021-07-19/ |website=reuters.com}}</ref> The same year, he was elected an Honorary Fellow of Homerton College, Cambridge.
In 2022, Jackson received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Benedict College.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 12, 2022 |title=Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, along with Attorney and National Media Personality Eboni K. Williams, receive Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Benedict College |url=https://www.benedict.edu/civil-rights-icon-rev-jesse-jackson-along-with-attorney-and-national-media-personality-eboni-k-williams-receive-honorary-doctorate-degrees-from-benedict-college/ |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=Benedict College}}</ref>
In 2026, a section of Haynie Street in Greenville, where Jackson was born, was renamed Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Street.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-20 |title=Portion of Greenville road to be dedicated to late Rev. Jesse Jackson |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/haynie-street-dedicated-to-jesse-jackson/70439694 |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=WYFF |language=en}}</ref>
=== Public image === In 1987, Donald Rheem called Jackson "one of the most successful black leaders in American history, with 25 years of public service as a self-styled country preacher pushing voter registration, inner-city economic development, and a moral message telling blacks to get off drugs and get on with a fulfilling life."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1987/1009/ajesse.html|title=Jesse Jackson: molded by struggle. Segregation instilled a fierce ambition to succeed|date=October 9, 1987|website=Christian Science Monitor|first=Donald L.|last=Rheem}}</ref> For ''The Harvard Crimson'', David J. Barron wrote that Jackson had "become the undisputed leader of Blacks partly on the strength of his call for young Blacks to recognize that despite their disadvantages they are 'somebody.'"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1987/11/9/movement-that-didnt-move-pbtbwo-years/|title=Movement That Didn't Move|date=November 9, 1987|work=The Harvard Crimson|first=David J.|last=Barron}}</ref> Jackson was often called a civil rights icon<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wnct.com/news/national/civil-rights-icon-rev-jesse-jackson-visits-south-carolina/|title=Civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson visits South Carolina|date=February 2, 2022|first=Bethany|last=Flower|publisher=WNCT9}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/legislature/rev-jesse-jackson-visits-the-state-capitol-assisting-black-caucus-to-register-voters/article_64805d06-d878-11ec-95dd-5fa1cccb8b7d.html|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson visits the State Capitol, assisting Black Caucus to register voters|first=Mark|last=Ballard|date=May 20, 2022 |publisher=The Advocate|quote=The nation's courts are slipping back into the 'state rights' philosophy that had historically isolated minority communities and the poor from having their political needs heard and addressed, civil rights icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. told the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus.}}</ref> and praised as a gifted orator.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1988/0407/ejes.html|title=Jackson's lure: the gift of oratory|date=April 7, 1988|website=The Christian Science Monitor|first=Joseph C.|last=Harsch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/02/18/Jackson-tops-orator-report-card-Hart-flunks/3136572158800/|title=Jackson tops orator 'report card'; Hart flunks|date=February 18, 1988|publisher=UPI|first=Shelia|last=Mullan|quote=A professor who grades presidential candidates on their rhetoric said Thursday Jesse Jackson is a natural orator, Vice President George Bush still 'comes across as a wimp' and Gary Hart only talks about the past.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1999/6/9/rev-jesse-jackson-offers-spirited-words/|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson Offers Spirited Words at Kennedy School Class Day|first=Parker R.|last=Conrad|date=June 9, 1999|quote=Joseph S. Nye, dean of the Kennedy School of Government (KSG), introduced the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson as "the most impressive orator of our time" at yesterday's KSG Class Day speech. "Whatever happens," quipped Nye before Jackson's talk, "it is difficult to sleep through one of his speeches." Indeed, as Jackson spoke, there was nary a shut eye at the ARCO Forum. Jackson, who is president and founder of the Rainbow Coalition (please see profile, page B-5), drew large amounts of applause throughout his speech, pausing only to allow for occasional whoops and cheers of approval to die down.}}</ref> His 1980s presidential campaigns are seen as historic and credited with increasing black voter turnout, exceeding expectations, and paving the way for Barack Obama's 2008 campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/1984-jesse-jackson-s-run-white-house-rise-black-voter-n1029596|title=1984: Jesse Jackson's run for the White House and the rise of the black voter|date=July 29, 2019|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|publisher=NBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/10/08/jesse-jackson-80-birthday-moral-courage/6036488001/|title='Moral courage': As Jesse Jackson turns 80, his visionary leadership still inspires|date=October 8, 2021|website=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/the-conversation/what-kind-of-loser-will-bernie-sanders-be-785be5b88e36|website=medium.com|publisher=Medium|title=What kind of loser will Bernie Sanders be?|date=June 8, 2016|quote=While Jackson hoped to become the first African-American to run on a national ticket, Dukakis refused. He nonetheless enjoyed a primetime speaking slot at the convention, and his campaign secured changes to primary rules that made the voting process fairer and more proportional. Some credit the changes with opening the door to Obama's victory a generation later.}}</ref> Former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile commended Jackson for helping "to enable a new generation of African Americans to serve" through his presidential campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/410967-authors-of-for-colored-girls-who-have-considered-politics-says-jesse-jackson/|title=Jesse Jackson enabled new generation to serve, says Brazile|first=Julia|last=Manchester|date=October 11, 2018|work=The Hill}}</ref>
Herb Benham claimed Jackson last had "credibility" when he was involved with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation PUSH, and marching with King, which he added was "so many decades ago that it makes the corporate-blackmailing, publicity-sniffing, knee-jerking Jackson seem as if he has had two lives—one respectable and one not."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bakersfield.com/news/herb-benham-jesse-jacksons-actions-smack-of-hypocrisy/article_c652ec7f-d6f6-5106-bb32-9005d9e806f4.html|title=Herb Benham: Jesse Jackson's actions smack of hypocrisy|date=February 10, 2006|publisher=Bakersfield.com}}</ref> Jackson was also charged with exploiting racial divides for his gain,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.albertleatribune.com/2008/07/obama-neuters-jesse-jacksons-race-baiting/|title=Obama neuters Jesse Jackson's race baiting|website=Albert Lea Tribune|date=July 14, 2008|quote=Thanks to the ascendency of Barack Obama, Jesse's long reign as the black leader — a position he more or less shared with the Rev. Al Sharpton all these years — has finally come to an end. He's been dethroned by, and lost his political manhood to, an upstart politician barely dry behind the ears but clever beyond his years. Jesse has long been the self-appointed leader of black America, a race baiter who has used race baiting to feather his own nest, bludgeoning cowardly American businessmen to pay him tribute in the form of contributions to his Rainbow Coalition and sundry other causes.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/419061-jesse-jackson-introduces-racism-into-the-lebron-affair|title=LeBron James to Miami Heat: Jesse Jackson Forces Racism into the Discussion|date=July 12, 2010|website=Bleacher Report|first=RG|last=Yoho}}</ref> Larry Elder writes that Jackson, Sharpton, Farrakhan, and Bill Clinton have had careers predicated "on exaggerating the extent and the impact of anti-black white racism" and had each "earned a nice living promoting the bogus anti-black-white-racism-remains-a-serious-problem narrative."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.creators.com/read/larry-elder/09/18/arethas-funeral-anti-trump-bigots-hear-truth-about-the-no-1-problem-in-the-black-community|title=Aretha's Funeral: Anti-Trump Bigots Hear Truth About the No. 1 Problem in the Black Community|date=September 6, 2018|publisher=Creators Syndicate|first=Larry|last=Elder|access-date=February 22, 2026}}</ref> A proponent of marriage, Jackson was accused of hypocrisy for fathering a child out of wedlock.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2001/01/23/jesse-jacksons-error/|title=Jesse Jackson's Error|date=January 23, 2001|newspaper=Sun Sentinel}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/24/opinion/l-public-leaders-private-missteps-589500.html|title=Opinion {{!}} Public Leaders, Private Missteps|first=Cheryl S.|last=Cosey|date=January 23, 2001|newspaper=The New York Times|quote=It is sad to think that we do not hold our moral leaders to a higher moral standard. The Rev. Jesse Jackson's betrayal of the vows he made to his wife 38 years ago was not simply a personal shortcoming that the public should consider separate from his public life. Mr. Jackson betrayed all whom he encouraged to conduct their lives in a morally upstanding manner. Mr. Jackson's hypocrisy cannot easily be overlooked by emphasizing the good that he has done as a public figure. No man is perfect. But when our moral leaders lead immoral lives, what statement does that make to our children? Where does that leave us as a society?}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chron.com/opinion/editorials/article/Jesse-Jackson-came-up-short-but-don-t-we-all-2006463.php|title=Jesse Jackson came up short—but don't we all?|first=Michael Eric|last=Dyson|newspaper=Chron |date=January 23, 2001 |authorlink=Michael Eric Dyson|quote=Because Jackson has so prominently urged young people to take the high road of personal responsibility, some conclude that his actions reveal hypocrisy. But it is not hypocritical to fail to achieve the moral standards that one believes are correct. Hypocrisy comes when leaders conjure moral standards that they refuse to apply to themselves and when they do not accept the same consequences they imagine for others who offend moral standards.}}</ref>
In October 2021, renowned television judge Greg Mathis described Jackson as "my most impactful mentor," with the two first meeting when Jackson visited the jail Mathis was being held in.<ref name=mentorjessejackson /> According to Mathis, it was Jackson who "suggested I get my GED, go to college and become an activist."<ref name=mentorjessejackson>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/judgegregmathis/posts/happy-80th-birthday-to-my-most-impactful-mentor-revjjackson-i-met-him-when-he-ca/10159645418765960/|title=Happy 80th birthday to my most impactful mentor @revjjackson . I met him when he came to speak at the jail I was in. He suggested I get my GED, go to college, and become an activist. He later campaigned and did radio Ads for my election. Love and appreciate him!!|author=Judge Greg Mathis|publisher=Facebook|date=October 8, 2021|accessdate=February 17, 2026}}</ref>
===Relations with the Jewish community=== Jackson was criticized for calling Jews "Hymies" and New York City "Hymietown" in 1984 remarks to a black reporter for ''The Washington Post'';<ref name="aims"/><ref name=wapo/> "Hymie" is a pejorative term for Jews. He had mistakenly assumed the references would not be printed. Louis Farrakhan made the situation worse by publicly warning, in Jackson's presence, that "If you harm this brother [Jackson], it will be the last one you harm."<ref name="aims"/><ref name=wapo/> During a speech before national Jewish leaders in a Manchester, New Hampshire, synagogue, Jackson publicly apologized to Jews for his remarks but did not denounce Farrakhan's warning. A rift between Jackson and many in the Jewish community endured until at least the 1990s.<ref name=wapo />
According to a 1987 article in ''The New York Times'', Jackson began attempting to improve his relationship with the Jewish community after 1984.<ref name="aims"/> In 2000, he was invited to speak in support of Jewish U.S. senator and vice-presidential nominee Joe Lieberman at the Democratic National Convention.<ref name="don't ask"/> After the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the U.S.,<ref>{{cite news |first1=Avi |last1=Selk |first2=Tim |last2=Craig |first3=Shawn |last3=Boburg |first4=Andrew |last4=Ba Tran |date=October 28, 2018 |access-date=October 30, 2018 |title='They showed his photo, and my stomach just dropped': Neighbors recall synagogue massacre suspect as a loner |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/10/28/victims-expected-be-named-after-killed-deadliest-attack-jews-us-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029012657/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/10/28/victims-expected-be-named-after-killed-deadliest-attack-jews-us-history/ |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Timothy |last1=Gardner |first2=Jeff |last2=Mason |first3=David |last3=Brunnstrom |date=October 27, 2018 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pennsylvania-shooting-trump-remarks/trump-says-pittsburgh-shooting-has-little-to-do-with-gun-laws-idUSKCN1N10M3 |title=Trump says Pittsburgh shooting has little to do with gun laws |work=Reuters |access-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027230358/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pennsylvania-shooting-trump-remarks/trump-says-pittsburgh-shooting-has-little-to-do-with-gun-laws-idUSKCN1N10M3 |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson joined other clergy at Congregation Sukkat Shalom in Wilmette to honor the 11 victims, saying: "When nine black lives were lost at Charleston, rabbis were there for us. Now we are here for this community."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/wilmette/ct-wml-jackson-sukkat-shalom-vigil-tl-1101-story.html|title=Jesse Jackson joins mourners at Wilmette service to remember Pittsburgh shooting victims|first=Kathy|last=Routliffe|date=October 30, 2018|newspaper=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> On March 8, 2020, Jackson endorsed Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish, for president.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/486484-civil-rights-activist-jesse-jackson-endorses-sanders |title = Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson endorses Sanders|website=The Hill|first=Justine|last=Coleman |date = March 8, 2020}}</ref>
During his House of Hope memorial service on March 6, 2026, Rabbi Steven Jacobs, who acknowledged his decades-long friendship with Jackson, addressed the controversy, vehemently denying that Jackson was an antisemite.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.c-span.org/event/public-affairs-event/fmr-presidents-obama-clinton-biden-attend-rev-jesse-jackson-memorial-service/440989|title=Fmr. Presidents Obama, Clinton & Biden Attend Rev. Jesse Jackson Memorial Service|publisher=C-SPAN|date=March 6, 2026|accessdate=March 6, 2026}}</ref>
==See also== * "I Am – Somebody"—a poem popularized by Jesse Jackson * List of civil rights leaders * List of notable Freemasons * ''Purpose,'' a 2024 play inspired by Jackson's family
==References== {{Reflist|30em|refs= <ref name="aims">{{cite news|first1=Joyce|last1=Purnick|first2=Michael|last2=Oreskes|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/29/magazine/jesse-jackson-aims-for-the-mainstream.html |title=Jesse Jackson Aims for the Mainstream|date=November 29, 1987 |work=The New York Times Magazine |access-date=February 20, 2026|url-status=live|url-access=limited|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20091017221627/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/29/magazine/jesse-jackson-aims-for-the-mainstream.html?pagewanted=all|archive-date=October 17, 2009}}</ref>
<ref name="100 greatest">{{cite book|last=Asante|first=Molefi Kete|year=2002|title= 100 Greatest African Americans: A Biographical Encyclopedia|location= Amherst, New York|publisher= Prometheus Books|isbn= 1-57392-963-8|page=168}}</ref>
<ref name="degree">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kQRaAAAAIBAJ&pg=4525,54428&dq=jesse+jackson+receives+masters+chicago+theological&hl=en|title=Jackson to get degree|date=June 1, 2000|work=Telegraph Herald|page=10A|location=Dubuque, Iowa|access-date=September 30, 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="chicago's">{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1969/06/02/90108696.pdf|title=Operation Breadbasket Is Seeking Racial Solutions in Economic Problems|first=John|last=Hebers|work=The New York Times |date=June 2, 1969|access-date=October 5, 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="chief">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=x00fAAAAIBAJ&pg=847,5605745|title=Rev. Jesse Jackson Chief B-CC Speaker|work=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|date=April 19, 1971|access-date=October 7, 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="father">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/31/us/noah-l-robinson-88-father-of-jesse-jackson.html|title=Noah L. Robinson, 88, Father of Jesse Jackson|access-date=February 24, 2026|date=January 31, 1997|work=The New York Times|last=Smothers|first=Ronald|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521170926/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/31/us/noah-l-robinson-88-father-of-jesse-jackson.html|archive-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref>
<ref name=DS>Interview with Al Sharpton, David Shankbone, ''Wikinews'', December 3, 2007.</ref>
<ref name="clearing">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/07/us/operation-push-clearing-debts-leader-says.html|title=Operation PUSH Clearing Debts, Leader Says|first=Michael|last=Oreskes|work=The New York Times|date=October 7, 1987|access-date=February 26, 2026|url-status=live|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524205337/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/07/us/operation-push-clearing-debts-leader-says.html|archive-date=May 24, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="damascus">{{cite web |url=http://eightiesclub.tripod.com/id407.htm |title=Jesse Jackson's Mission to Damascus |website=Eightiesclub.tripod.com |access-date=January 16, 2011 |archive-date=June 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608013444/http://eightiesclub.tripod.com/id407.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="frontline">{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/jesse/chronology.html |title=PBS ''Frontline'' chronology |website=PBS|access-date=January 16, 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="black vote">{{cite web |url=http://www.obv.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=802&Itemid=124 |title=Operation Black Vote – Jesse Jackson tour kick starts! |website=Obv.org.uk |access-date=January 16, 2011 |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927173702/http://www.obv.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=802&Itemid=124 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="don't ask">{{Cite news|work=Salon |title=Don't ask, don't tell|first=Jake|last=Tapper |url=http://archive.salon.com/politics/feature/2000/08/16/jackson/index.html |date=August 17, 2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030125111938/http://archive.salon.com/politics/feature/2000/08/16/jackson/index.html |archive-date=January 25, 2003 }}</ref>
<ref name="dukakis defeats">{{cite news |last=Dionne |first=E. J. Jr.|date=April 6, 1988|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DEEDC1239F935A35757C0A96E948260|title=Dukakis Defeats Jackson Handily in Wisconsin Vote|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref>
<ref name="behind">{{Cite news | url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE2D9143EF934A15750C0A967958260 | title=Behind-the-scenes role for a 'shadow senator' | first=Richard L.|last=Berke |work=The New York Times | date=March 27, 1991|access-date=January 6, 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="arrested">{{cite web |last=Graves |first=Emma |url=http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/06/24/2066/ |title=Rev. Jesse Jackson Arrested During Anti-Gun Protest |website=Common Dreams |date=June 24, 2006 |access-date=January 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629003331/http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/06/24/2066 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="christians join">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DwgqAAAAIBAJ&pg=5386,102334|title=Christians Join Bishop's Ban on Abortion|date=December 1, 1975|agency=United Press International|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|page=4}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
<ref name="african">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/08/jesse-jackson-now-african-royalty|title=Jesse Jackson Is Now African Royalty, Inherits Crown from Michael Jackson|access-date=August 23, 2009|date=August 14, 2009|magazine=Vanity Fair}}</ref>
<ref name=Berke>{{Cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9900E4DA1E31F935A35750C0A96E958260|title= Testing of the President: The Counselor; Once a Nemesis, Jackson Has Become the President's Spiritual Adviser|access-date=April 25, 2008|date=March 6, 1998|work=The New York Times|last=Berke|first=Richard L.}}</ref>
<ref name=apologizes>{{Cite news| url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/09/jesse.jackson.comment/index.html | title=Jackson apologizes for 'crude' Obama remarks | work=CNN.com | date=July 9, 2008 | access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20080713234547/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/09/jesse.jackson.comment/index.html|archive-date=July 13, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="comedian's">{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/22/sharpton.richard/index.html |work=CNN |title=Sharpton: Comedian's apology not enough |date=November 23, 2006|access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20061128141057/http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/22/sharpton.richard/index.html|archive-date=November 28, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="backs obama">{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070330/ap_on_el_pr/obama_jackson |title=Jesse Jackson backs Obama for president| first=Deanna|last= Bellandi |via=Yahoo! News|publisher=Associated Press |date=March 30, 2007|access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070402015858/http://news.yahoo.com:80/s/ap/20070330/ap_on_el_pr/obama_jackson|archive-date=April 2, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="financial ties">{{Cite news| url=http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/02/01/jackson.money/index.html | publisher=CNN | title=Operation PUSH documents financial ties with Jackson lover | date=February 1, 2001 | access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010417194325/http://cnn.com/2001/US/02/01/jackson.money/index.html|archive-date=April 17, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<!--ref name="gay man">{{cite news| last =Davis| first =Andrew| title =Gay man files complaint against Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow PUSH| newspaper =Windy City Times| date =April 13, 2011| url =http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=31375| access-date =April 15, 2011 }}</ref>-->
<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Grant|first=Tracy|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Jackson|title=Jesse Jackson|encyclopedia=Britannica|date=February 17, 2026|access-date=February 17, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name=history>{{cite web|url=https://www.history.com/articles/jesse-jackson|title=Jesse Jackson|publisher=The History Channel|date=February 17, 2026|access-date=February 17, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name="jackson and white">Jackson and White, p. 33.</ref>
<ref name="is seen">{{Cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE4DC173CF93AA15757C0A96E948260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|title=Jackson is seen as winning a solid place in history | first=R. W. |last=Apple Jr. | work=The New York Times|date=April 29, 1988}}</ref>
<ref name="keep hope">''Keep Hope Alive''. Jesse Jackson, pp. 234–235.</ref>
<ref name="jena 6">{{Cite news| url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/19/jackson.jena6/| title=Jesse Jackson: Obama needs to bring more attention to Jena 6 | work=CNN.com | date=September 19, 2007 | access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20080608060938/http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/19/jackson.jena6/|archive-date=June 8, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="madison award">[http://archives-trim.un.org/webdrawer/rec/552938/view/Item-in-KAA%20Schoolsuniversities%202002%20-%20oct.%20-%20dec..PDF archives-trim.un.org PDF] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226142153/http://archives-trim.un.org/webdrawer/rec/552938/view/Item-in-KAA%20Schoolsuniversities%202002%20-%20oct.%20-%20dec..PDF |date=December 26, 2012 }}</ref>
<ref name="jackson.mistress">{{Cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/08/16/jackson.mistress/index.html|title=Mother wants Jesse Jackson to 'be a father' to illegitimate child|date=August 16, 2001|publisher=CNN.com|access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010821020746/http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/08/16/jackson.mistress/index.html|archive-date=August 21, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="mason">{{cite web|url=http://www.masonicinfo.com/famous1.htm#J|title=Famous Freemasons|access-date=October 3, 2012}};<br />{{cite book|title=Proceedings of the 138th Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio F&AM|year=1987|publisher=Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio|location=Columbus, Ohio|page=16}};<br />{{cite book|last=Gray|first=David|title=The History of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio F&AM 1971 – 2011: The Fabric of Freemasonry|year=2012|publisher=Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio F&AM|location=Columbus, Ohio|isbn=978-0615632957|page=414|url=http://www.phaohio.org|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306063600/http://www.phaohio.org/|archive-date=March 6, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="masters">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y7QDAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA4&vq=jesse%20jackson&pg=PA4#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Receives Master's Degree From Chicago Theological Seminary |work=Jet|date=June 19, 2000 |access-date=February 20, 2026|pages=4–6, 8, 10|volume=98|issue=2}}</ref>
<ref name="maverick">{{cite book|first1=David T.|last1= Beito|first2= Linda Royster|last2= Beito|title=Black Maverick: T.R.M. Howard's Fight for Civil Rights and Economic Power|location=Urbana, Ill.|publisher= University of Illinois Press|year=2009|pages=206–216|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dS4eA77qau0C&q=black+maverick+jesse+jackson&pg=PA287|access-date=October 6, 2012|isbn= 9780252034206}}</ref>
<ref name="MSN">{{Cite encyclopedia|title=Jesse Jackson |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761557067/Jesse_Jackson.html|encyclopedia=Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia |url-status=dead |date=2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031205235419/http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761557067/Jesse_Jackson.html|archive-date=December 5, 2003|access-date=February 20, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name="medal of freedom">{{cite news|url=http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20000803/pl/medal_of_freedom_2.html|title=Clinton To Award Medal of Freedom|date=August 3, 2000|publisher=Associated Press|first=Deb|last= Riechmann|access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20000816164927/http://dailynews.yahoo.com:80/h/ap/20000803/pl/medal_of_freedom_2.html|archive-date=August 16, 2000|url-status=dead|via=Yahoo! News}}</ref>
<ref name="national race">{{cite news|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/national/race/111099race-ra.html| work=The New York Times|title=7 Students Charged in a Brawl That Divides Decatur, Ill|first=Dirk|last=Johnson|date=November 10, 1999|access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20020209041758/http://www.nytimes.com/library/national/race/111099race-ra.html|archive-date=February 9, 2002|url-status=live}}</ref>
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<ref name="pilgrimage">{{Cite episode|title= The Pilgrimage of Jesse Jackson |url= https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/jesse/ |series= Frontline |series-link= Frontline (U.S. TV series) |network= PBS |station= WGBH |location= Boston |airdate= April 30, 1996 |number= 1415 |transcript-url= https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/jesse/jessescript.html |transcript=Show #1415 transcript |access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010606034046/http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/jesse/|archive-date=June 6, 2001|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="politics">{{cite book|last1= Wilson |first1= Joseph |author-link1= Joseph C. Wilson |title= The politics of truth : inside the lies that put the White House on trial and betrayed my wife's CIA identity : a diplomat's memoir |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=nS9puh1zDKkC |access-date= September 24, 2010 |year= 2005 |orig-year= 2004 |publisher= Carroll & Graf Publishers |isbn= 978-0-7867-1551-0 |pages= 146–7 }}</ref>
<ref name="pride">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,954291,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611141727/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,954291,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 11, 2008|title=Pride and Prejudice|access-date=October 6, 2012|date=May 7, 1984|magazine=Time|last=Thomas|first=Evan}}</ref>
<ref name="poll">{{cite news|first=Will|last= Lester |url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BLACK_VOICES_AP_AOL_POLL?SITE=DCUSN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT |title=Poll: Jackson, Rice Are Tops Among Blacks |publisher=Associated Press |date=February 15, 2006|access-date=February 20, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20060226100230/http://hosted.ap.org:80/dynamic/stories/B/BLACK_VOICES_AP_AOL_POLL?SITE=DCUSN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT|archive-date=February 26, 2006|url-status=dead|via=USNews.com}}</ref>
<ref name="quits">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/12/12/archives/jackson-quits-post-at-sclc-in-policy-split-with-abernathy-jackson.html|title=Jackson Quits Post at S.C.L.C. In Policy Split With Abernathy|date= December 12, 1971|first= Seth G.|last= King|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 5, 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="prosecutors">{{Cite news|last=Beard |first=Aaron |title=Prosecutors drop charges in Duke case |publisher=Associated Press |date=April 11, 2007 |url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070411/ap_on_re_us/duke_lacrosse |access-date=February 24, 2026|via=Yahoo! News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070414083054/http://news.yahoo.com:80/s/ap/20070411/ap_on_re_us/duke_lacrosse |archive-date=April 14, 2007|url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="races">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/vault/issue/1971-10-11/spread/24/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221205721/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,903158,00.html|url-status=live|archive-date=December 21, 2008|title=Black Expo in Chicago|date=October 11, 1971|work=Time|volume=98|issue=15|pages=[https://time.com/vault/issue/1971-10-11/spread/24/ 22]-[https://time.com/vault/issue/1971-10-11/spread/26/ 24]|access-date=February 26, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name="races2">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/vault/issue/1972-01-03/spread/32/|title=Races: Jackson PUSHes On|date=January 3, 1972|work=Time |volume=99|issue=1|page=30|access-date=February 26, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name="records">{{cite news|title=University says Jackson records show no blemish|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BowyAAAAIBAJ&pg=4815,7596743&dq=jesse+jackson+left+university+of+illinois&hl=en|work= Lawrence Journal-World|location= Lawrence, Kansas|date= December 31, 1987|access-date=October 1, 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="regrets">{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2008/07/jackson-regrets-vulgar-obama-comment-011650 |title=Jackson regrets vulgar Obama comment|first= Michael|last= Calderone|website=Politico|date= July 10, 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="reunites">{{cite news |title= Jesse Jackson reunites with hostage he rescued 19 years ago |first= Don |last= Terry |url= http://www.frostillustrated.com/full.php?current_edition=2009-04-15&sid=5486 |agency= NNPA |newspaper= Frost Illustrated |publisher= Frost Inc. |date= April 15, 2009 |access-date= September 24, 2010 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101022073023/http://www.frostillustrated.com/full.php?sid=5486¤t_edition=2009-04-15 |archive-date= October 22, 2010 |df= mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="reprint">{{cite web|url=http://swissnet.ai.mit.edu/~rauch/nvp/consistent/mccarthy_jackson.html |title=Reprint of a Washington Post article from 1988 |website=Swissnet.ai.mit.edu |date=May 21, 1988 |access-date=January 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402152936/http://groups.csail.mit.edu/mac/users/rauch/nvp/consistent/mccarthy_jackson.html|archive-date=April 2, 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="richards">{{Cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/27/michaelrichards.ap/index.html|title=Black leaders: End N-word in entertainment|work=CNN|date=November 27, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061128061151/http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/27/michaelrichards.ap/index.html|archive-date=November 28, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="robinson">An investigation into allegations that Robinson had ordered the murder of a former employee was begun in 1987. ''See'', {{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/10/04/jacksons-half-brother-probed-in-killing-of-former-employee/|title=Jackson's Half-brother Probed In Killing Of Former Employee|date=October 4, 1987|author1=Gibson, Ray|author2=Possley, Maurice|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=February 27, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170908054119/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-10-04/news/8703140856_1_slaying-federal-investigation-leroy-hambone-barber|archive-date=September 8, 2017|url-status=dead|url-access=subscription}}<br />Robinson was ultimately convicted on racketeering and drug conspiracy charges, and of being an accessory to the attempted murder of another employee. He was sentenced to life in prison. ''See'', {{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/08/22/robinson-to-spend-life-in-prison-for-drug-conspiracy-convictions/|title=Robinson To Spend Life In Prison For Drug, Conspiracy Convictions|date=August 22, 1992|first= Matt|last= O'Connor|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=February 27, 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130522190603/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-08-22/news/9203160642_1_el-rukn-rukn-leader-jeff-fort-district-judge-marvin-aspen|archive-date=May 22, 2013|url-status=dead|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
<ref name="schiavo">{{Cite news| url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/29/schiavo/index.html | publisher=CNN | title=Terri Schiavo's mom pleads: 'Give my child back' | date=March 30, 2005 | access-date=February 27, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406032202/http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/29/schiavo/index.html|archive-date=April 6, 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="salon-jackson">{{cite web |url=http://www.salon.com/politics/feature/2001/01/19/jackson/print.html|title=Jackson retreats |first=Anthony|last= York|website=Salon.com |date=January 19, 2001 |access-date=February 27, 2026|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011123113939/http://www.salon.com/politics/feature/2001/01/19/jackson/print.html|archive-date=November 23, 2001}}</ref>
<ref name="search">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/vault/issue/1971-12-20/page/11/|title=In Search of a Black Strategy|magazine=Time|date=December 20, 1971|volume=98|issue=25|access-date=February 27, 2026|pages=[https://time.com/vault/issue/1971-12-20/page/11/ 9]-[https://time.com/vault/issue/1971-12-20/page/12/ 10]}}</ref>
<ref name="shakedown">{{cite book|last=Timmerman|first=Kenneth R.|authorlink=Kenneth R. Timmerman|title=Shakedown: Exposing the Real Jesse Jackson|url=https://archive.org/details/shakedownexposin00timm/|publisher=Regnery|year=2002|isbn=0-89526-165-0|url-access=registration|pages=[https://archive.org/details/shakedownexposin00timm/page/392/mode/2up?q=%22when+challenged+why+he+asked+for+her+pardon%22 392-393]}}</ref>
<ref name="shanty">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,838409,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029100825/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,838409,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 29, 2010|title=Nation: Turmoil in Shantytown|date=June 7, 1968|magazine=Time|access-date=October 6, 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="the end">{{Cite news|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/magazine/10politics-t.html|title=Is Obama the End of Black Politics? |access-date=February 24, 2026|date=August 6, 2008|work=The New York Times Magazine|last=Bai|first= Matt|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20081210132313/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/magazine/10politics-t.html?pagewanted=all|archive-date=December 10, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="to run">{{Cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE3D61E3DF935A35754C0A966958260 | title= Jackson to Run For Lobby Post In Washington |first=Robin |last=Toner| work=The New York Times | date=July 6, 1990 |access-date=January 5, 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="trying">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,926644-2,00.html|last=Thomas|first=Evan|title=Trying to Win the Peace|magazine=Time|date=July 2, 1984|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=April 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408141816/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,926644-2,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=wapo>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/frenzy/jackson.htm|title=Jesse Jackson's 'Hymietown' Remark – 1984|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Larry J. Sabato's Feeding Frenzy | date=July 21, 1998 | access-date=May 6, 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="voices">{{cite web|url=http://www.tms.tribune.com/htmlmail/consumer/profiles/bios/jacksonbio.htm |title=Voices & Viewpoints: Jesse Jackson|website=tms.tribune.com |access-date=July 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030820164407/http://www.tms.tribune.com/htmlmail/consumer/profiles/bios/jacksonbio.htm |archive-date=August 20, 2003 }}</ref>
<ref name="wooing">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/vault/issue/1978-01-30/page/33/|title=Wooing the Black Vote|magazine=Time|date=January 30, 1978|volume=111|issue=5|page=27|access-date=February 27, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921220921/https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/printout/0,8816,945887,00.html|archive-date=September 21, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="why obama">Beinart, Peter (October 6, 2010), [http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-10-06/why-obama-will-win-a-second-term/ "Obama's a Lock in 2012"], ''The Daily Beast''.</ref>
<ref name="would">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/gen/s/2002/0226/1340982.html |title=The man who would be King in the Sports Arena|last=Edwards|first=Harry |website=ESPN |date=February 28, 2002|access-date=February 17, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030210074015/http://espn.go.com/gen/s/2002/0226/1340982.html|archive-date=February 10, 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="world television">{{cite web|website=World Television|url=https://worldtelevisionstudios.blogspot.com/2008/11/jesse-jackson-breaks-down-in-tears.html |title=Jesse Jackson Breaks Down In Tears After Obama Win|publisher=World Television Studios |date=November 5, 2008 |access-date=August 21, 2010}}</ref>
<!-- Unused citation <ref name="youtube">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTB1h18bHlY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/iTB1h18bHlY |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Sesame Street – I Am Somebody (better copy) |website=YouTube |access-date=August 21, 2010}}{{cbignore}}</ref> -->
<!--ref name="younger">Not to be confused with R&B singer Chuck Jackson whose hits included "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)".</ref--> }} <!--ref name="french loa">{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/frances-honours-rev-jesse-jackson-with-legion-dhonneur-2021-07-19/|title=France Honours Rev. Jesse Jackson with the Legion d'Honneur}}</ref>-->
==Bibliography== * {{Cite book |last=Dudley |first=K. |year=1994 |title=The End of the Line |location=Chicago |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=0-226-16908-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/endofline00kath_0 |ref=none}} * {{Cite book |author1=Jackson, Jesse L. Jr. |author2=with Frank E. Watkins |year=2001 |title=A More Perfect Union: Advancing New American Rights |url=https://archive.org/details/moreperfectunion00jack |location=New York |publisher=Welcome Rain Publishers |isbn=1-56649-186-X |ref=none}}
==External links== {{Sister project auto}} {{External media | video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx2SjhJz8vo "Rev Jesse Jackson reflects on Dr Martin Luther King's 'I have a Dream' speech"], ''Matter of Fact with Stan Grant'', ABC News }}
* {{C-SPAN}} * {{Discogs artist}} * {{IMDb name}} * [https://keephopealiveradio.iheart.com/ Keep Hope Alive with Reverend Jesse Jackson] * {{YouTube |id=sn5hCdHuZzw |title="I am somebody!" - Historical footage of Rev. Jesse Jackson addressing a crowd}} * {{YouTube |id=cWjPrIUgKA4 |title=Jesse Jackson's "Rainbow Coalition" Speech at 1984 Democratic National Convention}} in San Francisco * {{YouTube |id=6RCARIpVDLU |title=Jesse Jackson's "Keep Hope Alive" Speech at the 1988 Democratic National Convention}} in Atlanta * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpazVi_oedI Jesse Jackson Memorial Service Attended by Presidents Obama, Clinton, Biden and Other Officials] on C-SPAN 3/6/2026
{{s-start}} {{s-ppo}} {{s-new|seat}} {{s-ttl | title = Democratic nominee for U.S. Shadow Senator from the District of Columbia<br/>(Class 2) | years = 1990 }} {{s-aft|after=Paul Strauss}} {{s-break}} {{s-par|us-sen}} {{s-new|seat}} {{s-ttl | title = U.S. Shadow Senator (Class 2) from the District of Columbia | years = 1991–1997 | alongside = Florence Pendleton }} {{s-aft|after=Paul Strauss}} {{s-end}}
{{Navboxes | title = Articles and topics related to Jesse Jackson | list = {{United States shadow senators from the District of Columbia}} {{1984 United States presidential election}} {{1988 United States presidential election}} {{Civil rights movement}} {{African American topics}} {{Spingarn Medal}} {{Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album}} {{NAACP Image Award – President's Award}} {{Progressivism US footer}} }} {{Portal bar|Biography|Chicago|Christianity|Civil rights movement|Politics|United States}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jackson, Jesse}} Category:Jesse Jackson Category:1941 births Category:2026 deaths Category:20th-century African-American politicians Category:20th-century Baptist ministers from the United States Category:20th-century Washington, D.C., politicians Category:21st-century Baptist ministers from the United States Category:Activists for African-American civil rights Category:Activists from Chicago Category:African American–Jewish relations Category:African-American activists Category:African-American Baptist ministers Category:African-American candidates for President of the United States Category:American adoptees Category:American football quarterbacks Category:American people of Cherokee descent Category:American Prince Hall Freemasons Category:American recipients of the Legion of Honour Category:Candidates in the 1984 United States presidential election Category:Candidates in the 1988 United States presidential election Category:Chicago Freedom Movement Category:Chicago Theological Seminary alumni Category:Commanders of the Legion of Honour Jesse Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Illinois Democrats Category:Left-wing populism in the United States Category:Minority rights activists Category:North Carolina A&T Aggies football players Category:North Carolina A&T State University alumni Category:People associated with the 2000 United States presidential election Category:People associated with the 2004 United States presidential election Category:People associated with the 2008 United States presidential election Category:People associated with the 2016 United States presidential election Category:People associated with the 2020 United States presidential election Category:People with Parkinson's disease Category:Players of American football from Chicago Category:Players of American football from South Carolina Category:Politicians from Chicago Category:Politicians from Greenville, South Carolina Category:Poor People's Campaign Category:Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients Category:Recipients of the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo Category:Sportspeople from Greenville, South Carolina Category:United States shadow senators from the District of Columbia Category:Washington, D.C., Democrats Category:Order of the Palmetto recipients