Thank You, Rev.

You never gave up on us!

REV. JESSE JACKSON – OUR WARRIOR

Editor’s Note: As millions around the world pray after learning of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s health challenges, the Texas Metro News takes this opportunity to pay tribute to this man who dedicated his life to making the world a better place.

Mentor/friend

“Rev. Jesse Jackson has taught me so much over the years. I have had the honor of serving as his National Advance Person for RAINBOW/PUSH Organization for the Texas region since 1984, and it still amazes me every single time I work with him. Rev. Jackson is the true definition of a people person—he has an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel valued, seen, and important. I patterned myself after him because he lived what he preached. No matter who you were or what you had, he made you feel like, “I am somebody.”

“When we’re unemployed, we’re called lazy; when the whites are unemployed it’s called a depression.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Reverend Jackson treated everyone with equal dignity. When he ran in ’84 and again in ’88, the Secret Service had a hard time protecting him because he insisted on being with the people. He didn’t like limousines—he preferred regular cars or SUVs.

 I will never forget the time John Beckwith provided a limo. I had the privilege of escorting Rev. Jackson and Councilman Al Lipscomb around town. Of course, they wanted to go to Sweet Georgia Brown’s.  As they rode down Ledbetter, they were standing up through the sunroof, waving to everyone along the way. That was Rev. Jackson: uplifting, joyful, and connected to community.

He did not discriminate. He just didn’t. And I cannot think of one negative thing to say about Rev. Jesse Jackson.  I love him deeply. He has given exceedingly, abundantly above anything I could have imagined, and I am grateful.

I just want people to keep praying. Don’t give up, because he hasn’t. This tribute is only a small reflection of the tremendous impact he has made on all of us.

dianne gibson

DeWayne Wickham

Dean emeritus at Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism & Communication, journalist, columnist, author

DeWayne Wickham covered Jesse Jackson for many years as a veteran staff writer for major newspapers. Here are his memories of this Civil Rights icon:

“Early in his career, people complained that Jesse showed up when things were in turmoil. He (Jackson) would say, ‘I’m a tree-shaker, not a jelly-maker.’ Nothing explains his life better than that, what he said about himself.

“Over the decades, he helped transform America. If it had not been for Jesse Jackson, there would not be a President Barack Obama. Jackson’s campaigns in 1984 and 1988 did not get him a nomination to the White House, yet it resulted in massive registrations of new Black voters. They went to the polls and elected scores of Black elected officials at state and local levels. I think we owe more to him than we can ever repay.”

Willis Johnson
Entrepreneur and former KKDA-AM radio show host

Willis Johnson vividly recalled the energizing chant that came to define Rev. Jesse Jackson during his Presidential campaign and civil rights advocacy. For more than 30 years, Johnson used a variation of the chant as an intro and signoff for the daily radio show he hosted on KKDA-AM radio in Dallas, TX, while the Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing played in the background: “I am somebody! I may be Black, but I am somebody! I may be poor, but I am somebody! I may be on welfare, but I am somebody! …Soul power! Black power! Yeah!”

“Remembering those words and that anthem being played everyday is the first thing that comes to my mind about Rev. Jesse Jackson,” Johnson said recently.

He said his second strong memory of Rev. Jackson is having lunch with him and other community, religious, and civil rights advocates at the iconic, now permanently-closed Drakes Cafeteria in Ft. Worth. The occasion was a gathering after Rev. Jackson spoke at a public rally at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church during his first 1984 Presidential campaign.

I was working with Pettis Norman (the late Dallas Cowboys tight end and civil rights advocate), and I had the blessing of being the M. C. for the rally and of introducing Rev. Jesse Jackson. Then we went to the cafeteria. Jesse was our guy. He was changing lives.

Johnson also recalled that Jackson was skilled at rhyming words long before it became a trait of popular music rappers. “He just had that rhyming effect when he spoke. Later the rappers took it on.”

Diane Ragsdale

Retired Dallas City Councilwoman/former Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, founding executive director with South Dallas Fair Park Inner-city Community Development Corporation (ICDC), and social justice advocate

“I remember when we were on the stage together at the Harambee Festival in Dallas in the 1980s, around the time he was running for President. He was so kind, so respectful. So personable, even though he was this national figure and revered warrior for social justice. He embraced me like we had known each other for years. I have the photograph. I was very honored.

“If you try you may fail, if you don’t try you’re guaranteed to fail.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson

“He and his family have been extremely significant for us. They have been loyal and faithful to the movement for justice. That movement requires an ongoing, significant sacrifice that Rev. Jackson and his family have made on our behalf. When he ran for President, he lifted up issues that had not been lifted up. He reminded us of our own responsibilities. A very significant point is that Rev. Jackson continued to demonstrate courage and boldness – even in the face of much danger – and on our behalf. We owe him a debt.”

“The only time you should look down at someone, is when you are helping them up.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Retired Attorney DeMetris Sampson

“I met him only once, but it made a lasting impression,” attorney DeMetris Sampson said. “I always appreciated how he spoke with gusto when he brought his messages. I felt that was important because it made you wake up and pay attention.

He will always be a significant figure in American history, not just African American history. It’s significant that he was mentored by one of our giants in the person of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He (Rev. Jackson) was exposed to opportunities that raised the bar in the movement. The fact that he ran for President enabled the rules of engagement in the party structure to be changed. That allowed others to follow and stand on his shoulders.”

Rev. Peter Johnson
North Texas Activist and College Lecturer

Jesse was a smart, socially-committed young person when he and I worked as staff  members for  Dr. King at SCLC in Atlanta during the early 1960s.

He was one of the first people from SCLC to come to North Texas from Atlanta  when I was assigned here after the death of Dr. King in 1968  to increase economic development in the Black community.

His negotiating skills and acumen were invaluable  as we reached agreements with major companies in North Texas to include racial minorities as contract recipients, administrative staff and board members.”

Jesse, Andrew Young and I were given the task of creating  Operation Breadbasket, the SCLC’s program designed to eliminate malnutrition and hunger in America.

What we created became a blueprint for other organizations  interested in economic and social justice,” said Reverend Johnson,  who said that Reverend Jackson was fondly called “Country,” by those who worked with him.

Jesse was big and strong and nearly unstoppable in sports. He brought his athletic strengths to the Civil Rights arena where he excelled.

Rev. Larry A. McMillan
Author & CEO Today’s Family Ministries Inc.

Reverend Jackson helped to inspire a generation of young people and young preachers,” said Reverend Larry A. McMillan, a Maryland resident who has known Reverend Jackson since the mid-1980s.

He often came to preach at the church where my wife and our three  sons attended. His messages were always theologically  sound and inspirational.

He and I grew close as ministers and as human beings. There was a special calling on his soul to improve the quality of life that people, all people lived.

When he spoke about people living and doing their very best,  it thrilled all of us within the sound of his voice.

I am somebody” became a battle slogan  for those who wanted to improve their  lives and the lives of their families. He urged people to believe in themselves. He challenged us to be greater than we were.

“The burden of being Black is that you have to be superior just to be equal.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Dr. Barry Lachman

Temple Shalom member in North Dallas. National Democratic Party activist

“As a presidential candidate and as a Civil Rights icon  Reverend Jackson has played a pivotal role in broadening the base and the size of the Democrat Party,” said Dr. Barry Lachman, one of the nation’s leading authorities on quality healthcare in underserved communities.

Reverend Jackson has been key to expanding the influence of the Party.

Our party has tremendous  strength in major American cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. Reverend Jackson is responsible for much of that.”

Texas State Rep. Senfronia Thompson

Member,  Texas House of Representatives

“Reverend Jesse Jackson has played a vital role in strengthening American democracy by championing Civil Rights, expanding  voter participation and giving voice to marginalized communities.

Internationally, his diplomacy—ranging from beginning humanitarian releases to fostering peaceful dialogue——has showcased America’s moral leadership,” added Rep. Thompson who was first elected to the legislature in 1973.

“Jesse Jackson’s contributions continue to inspire civic responsibly, democratic participation, and the pursuit of human dignity at home and abroad.”

John Wiley Price

Dallas County Commissioner

“Pettis Norman and I ran Jackson’s National 1984 campaign out of my campaign headquarters. At the same time, I ran for County Commissioner so I have known Jesse for a while, at least that many years or before. I was working with him in Operation Push.

He inspired me by just the fact that he was bold and courageous and did not mind taking that step and that was what I saw.  He was a good organizer and what most people do not realize in 1984 he won the Democratic Primary in Dallas County. So, we have been down this road before, not only was it about that, but also about Jesse Jr. and we all worked on the campaign. We even took it to the state convention and basically held up the state convention until he got the appropriate number of delegates that made him viable and that was we used to call “apportioning the delegation.” His legacy is strong and the travesty is, like everything else Reverend Jackson and others, people have no clue as to what all he has done just by standing up with his organizational skills and Operation Push. They just have no clue and that is really unfortunate.

People United to Save Humanity was an organization that was relevant and still is to some degree. When he headed it up, he took on issues that were important and Reverend Jackson championed those issues and those of us who believe the issues were right and we supported him.

His wife Jackie and his family stood with him. Jesse Jr. came down and worked out of my campaign office and when he ran for Congress we supported Jesse Jr.

It is a lot, but his legacy is solid. I don’t think there is anything anyone could do to not understand his legacy, but the travesty is our young people do not understand his legacy.”

Reverend Sheron C. Patterson

Retired United Methodist Pastor

“Before there was Barack Hussein there was Jesse Louis.

He was our North Star. Reverend Jesse Jackson gave himself to the noble cause of helping America heal from racial wounds.

Reverend Patterson, who pastored Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, said that the presidential chant “Run Jesse Run” had become a part of the Amercan political mosaic.”

“I am – Somebody!
I may be poor, but
I am – Somebody!
I may be uneducated,
but I am – Somebody!
I must be, I’m God’s child.
I must be respected and
protected. I am
black and I am beautiful!
I am – Somebody!”

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Dr. Terry Flowers

“I am a native of Chicago so I grew up in the “Say It Loud” era. So, in simple words and phrases, Reverend Jackson was able to ignite, uplift, defy odds. He was able to inspire hope, and built Operation Bread Baskets, which helped families across the country, including my family. So, to have him come to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – where he didn’t win the election for the other 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – is an honor. And for him to be a part of our giving honor to leaders in the community. His legacy lives on through myself and you know, millions of other people.”

Dr. Julianne Malveaux

“I have been privileged to work alongside Rev. Jesse Jackson, especially around educational issues.  I am President of PUSH.EXCEL, the educational arm of Rainbow. 

We have awarded millions of dollars in scholarships, exposed hundreds of students to HBCUs through our bus tours, and developed useful workshops and symposia on relevant topics.  Through it all, Rev. has been an enthusiastic leader and partner.  Education is extremely important to him, and it is one of the many issues Rev. has focused on in his remarkable life.

Jesse Jackson stands as a towering figure in the landscape of social justice and civil rights. His unwavering commitment to advocating for marginalized communities has profoundly impacted not only America but the world. Throughout his lengthy and storied career, Jackson has been a relentless voice for the voiceless, igniting hope where despair once reigned.

From his early days working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to founding organizations like Operation Push and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he has exemplified the power of grassroots activism. Jackson’s powerful oratory and charisma have inspired generations, engaging people of all backgrounds in the struggle for equality. His message transcends race, addressing issues of poverty, discrimination, and injustice that continue to plague our society.

His tireless efforts have led to significant political advancements, advocating for policies that uplift the disadvantaged and strive for a fairer system. Beyond politics, his humanity shines as he encourages those around him to believe in their potential and fight for a better tomorrow.

As we reflect on his legacy, let us remember that Jackson’s work is not done. His fight for justice, equality, and empowerment remains relevant. It inspires us to take action, challenge the status quo, and build bridges across our differences. In honoring Rev. Jesse Jackson, we celebrate a brave advocate who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and a brighter future for all.

I am privileged to call him leader, inspiration, “big brother” and, most importantly, friend.”

“Your children need your presence more than your presents.”

• Rev. Jesse Jackson

Dr. Benjamin Chavis

Our prayers are for The Reverend Dr. Jesse L. Jackson and the Jackson family.  I have personally known Rev. Jesse Jackson all my life. His passion and global leadership and courage for freedom, justice and equality is unmatched in history.  The Civil Rights Movement in the United States made irreversible progress directly because Jesse Jackson.  As a young youth coordinated for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in my home state of North Carolina, I witnessed firsthand the bold and consistent leadership of Jesse Jackson. In the panoply of the world’s freedom fighters stands the transformative legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Dr. Elba Garcia

Dallas County Commissioner; and her husband Domingo Garcia, an attorney, former president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), former Dallas City Councilman/first Latino Dallas Mayor Pro Tem, former Dist. 104 St. Rep.

Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia recalled that she and her husband, attorney Domingo Garcia, were involved with Rev. Jesse Jackson during early days of multi-cultural coalition efforts in Dallas and nationally.

“We met him (Rev. Jackson) when Domingo and I were newly-weds and Rev. Jackson was in Dallas promoting his Rainbow Coalition to bring together political power of diverse people. Domingo was the first delegate for his Rainbow Coalition and represented Latinos.

“I remember one meeting at a private home and the impression he (Rev. Jackson) made when he entered the room. My English was still limited at the time. I remember his voice was so commanding. It stood out that he was wanting to bring us all together to demonstrate that we could include everyone and be united. I remember Domingo drove all the way to Georgia as the first Latino delegate for the Rainbow Coalition.

“Those memories make me think of how much we need his (Rev. Jackson’s) message today. Being a leading figure for minorities made us feel we all can work together. Also, it’s true that Barack Obama came to fruition under Jesse Jackson’s impact.”

Rev. Billy Lane,

ICDC current executive director and Warren United Methodist Church Pastor

Rev. Lane took over ICDC leadership sometime after Ragsdale retired and found that the two of them had similar motivation in regard to their community and social justice goals. Rev. Jesse Jackson stood out in their memories from perspectives of different generations. Rev. Lane recalls being a teenager in the 1980s and often hearing his parents commenting on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Presidential campaign at the time.

“I clearly remember my mother commenting that he (Rev. Jackson) should have waited before running for President. She said he should have run for mayor or government first. I didn’t think much about it at the time. I look back on it now and I think about people like Ronald Reagan who had held no elected office before he became California governor and later U. S. president. It’s clearly a double standard for people of color vs people who are wealthy and White. Another point I remember about Rev. Jackson is his speaking ability. I was watching a rerun of the TV show “A Different World” not long ago. Rev. Jackson was in one of the segments and he gave a riveting, inspirational speech. I was thinking of the audacity of his move to run for President. It was worth it, regardless of the outcome.”

“Today’s students can put dope in their veins or hope in their brains.”

• Rev. Jesse Jackson

Right Side of History

by The HistoryMakers®

Prominent civil rights activist and political leader Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. was born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Helen Jackson and Noah Robinson. His mother later remarried Charles Henry Jackson, who formally adopted Jackson and his brother Charles. Jackson received his high school diploma from Sterling High School in Greenville, and in 1959, he received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After his first year, Jackson then transferred to North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina. At North Carolina A&T, Jackson continued to excel in sports. He was an honor student and president of his student body. On December 31, 1962, Jackson married college classmate Jacqueline Lavinia Brown in Greenville. Returning to North Carolina A&T, he became involved in the Civil Rights Movement, joining the Greensboro chapter of the Council on Racial Equality (CORE). In 1963, Jackson helped to organize several sit-ins, desegregating local restaurants and theaters in Greensboro. Jackson was chosen as the field director of CORE’s southeastern operations and president of the North Carolina Intercollegiate Council on Human Rights. In 1964, he also served as a delegate at the Young Democrats National Convention. In the same year, Jackson graduated from North Carolina A&T with a B.S. degree in sociology. He then received a Rockefeller grant to begin his postgraduate studies at the Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. In 1965, Jackson left the seminary to join Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to march in Selma, Alabama. At this time, Jackson became an ordained minister, although he had not returned to the seminary. In 1966, Dr. King appointed Jackson to SCLC’s Chicago economic program, Operation Breadbasket. The goal of Operation Breadbasket was to foster the economy of African American business owners and provide employment growth for African American workers. On December 25, 1971, Operation Breadbasket was renamed Operation PUSH – People United to Serve Humanity.

Over the next decade, Jackson continued his involvement with local, national, and international politics. In 1983, Jackson negotiated the release of war prisoner, U.S. pilot Robert Goodman, in Syria. In 1984 and 1988, Jackson ran for President of the United States. As a Democratic candidate, he garnered massive support and exceeded expectations for the number of delegates received. Jackson’s electoral run also helped to register two million new voters. Jackson moved to Washington, D.C. in 1989. At that time, the Washington City Council created two positions of shadow senator to lobby for the statehood of Washington, D.C. in the U.S. Congress. Jackson won one of the Senate seats, his first elected position. In 1991, Jackson gained international acclaim again when he negotiated for the release of hundreds of foreign nationals in Kuwait under the regime of Saddam Hussein. In that same year, his likeness was put on a United States Post Office pictorial postal cancellation. Jackson is the second living person to ever receive such an honor. President Bill Clinton then appointed Jackson in 1997 as a special envoy for democracy in Kenya, later awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in March 2000. Jackson hosted the CNN television program Both Sides With Jesse Jackson from 1992 to 2000. He has written numerous columns and authored/co-authored several books, including Keep Hope Alive (1989) and It’s About The Money (1999). Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition have organized numerous events over the years that bring attention to problems facing all Americans, including economic advancement, workers’ rights, labor conditions, voter registration, education, and racial profiling. He has been awarded over forty honorary degrees, received the NAACP Springarn Award, and been listed as one of the top ten most respected Americans. In 2000, Jackson received an honorary Master’s degree from his former school, Chicago Theological Seminary. The seminary recognized Jackson’s countless years of civic service to the American community. In 2003, Jackson created the Wall Street Project. This project aims to build economic opportunities and advancements of African Americans, influencing corporate America companies to increase economic growth and opportunity with minority communities and businesses. In 2004, Jackson became a radio host for the nationally syndicated radio talk show entitled Keep Hope Alive. Jackson and his wife, Jacqueline, currently divide their residency between Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. They have five children: Santita Jackson, U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., Jonathan Jackson, Yusef Jackson, and Jacqueline L. Jackson. He also has a daughter named Ashley.