Jessie Jackson, a renown civil rights leader, recently died on February 17, 2026. I was a young kid when Martin Luther King was assassinated, but I remember growing up, and looking up to Jessie Jackson as a great leader and a champion for blacks in America. But not just blacks, but for others as well in the United States. If our congressional senate wants to honor a man worthy of tribute--a man who advocated for unity as opposed to division-- such as Charlie Kirk, now would be the time to do so. Alas, I will not be holding my breath.
It is really sad to note how Jackson had such difficult health struggles in his later years, being diagnosed with Parkinson's, and later, an extremely rare neurological disorder called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Yet, he managed despite his health, to continue his fight for justice and civil rights despite these disabling conditions.
Reverend Jessie Jackson worked along side with Martin Luther King in the 1960's, participating in historic marches and was active in such organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He also headed "Operation Breadbasket" in Chicago, which organized massive boycotts against white business owners and encouraged blacks to purchase from black owned businesses. Something which is much needed today.
In 1984, Jackson formed an organization called the "Rainbow Coalition", and would later run for president two times. This was so significant, because it paved the way for a black man named Barack Obama to become president, winning two elections in a very racist country. There is so much which could be said of Jessie Jackson, so much history. I wish we had a leader today in our community commanding such stature, so black people would be more united and organized. Nevertheless, we must continue our work against this tide attempting to take our civil rights, and to demote blacks in this country.
I am sure the man, Jessie Jackson will hear the Lord say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant".
