The world, including local Black History leaders, is reacting to the death of Jesse Jackson. The longtime civil rights leader and national political figure has died during Black History Month. He was 84.
Jackson worked alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and later founded Operation PUSH, which became part of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. His presidential campaigns in the 1980s expanded voter participation and marked a milestone in politics. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000 and remained active in public life even as his health declined.
In a statement provided to First City News, Tom Bartholomew, facilitator for the Black History Preservation Project of Knox County said, “The Black History Preservation Project of Knox County mourns the loss of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Reverend Jackson was a voice for all marginalized groups. His work in his church, for his country, and during the civil rights era as well, continue to shine a light on the use of America’s strengths and diversity to build a more perfect country. As America’s history continues to unfold and come to light the Reverend Jackson will remain an inspiration as we remember his words, ‘I am somebody.’”
Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and six children. Public commemorations are planned in Chicago.
