Editor’s Note: The following are some of the tributes posted in response to the death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Jr.
“His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless from his presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote — leaving an indelible mark on history.”
— Jesse Jackson Family statement
“I grew up watching Reverend Jesse Jackson lead a national movement that fought for justice for poor and working people. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but profoundly grateful for the example he set and the generation of leaders he inspired.
“Rev. Jackson was a civil rights hero and a tireless advocate for those too often overlooked. He was an icon who helped elect countless Black leaders, and his historic, groundbreaking presidential campaigns paved the way for the eventual election of President Barack Obama. Jesse was also a friend, and I had the honor of working with him on a wide range of issues throughout my career.
“He leaves a lasting legacy of hope and it is now up to us to Keep Hope Alive!”
— Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
“Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a true giant, the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
For more than 60 years, Reverend Jackson helped lead some of the most significant movements for change in human history. From organizing boycotts and sit-ins, to registering millions of voters, to advocating for freedom and democracy around the world, he was relentless in his belief that we are all children of God, deserving of dignity and respect.”
— Former President Barack and Michelle Obama
“Reverend Jesse Jackson was one of America’s greatest patriots. He spent his life summoning all of us to fulfill the promise of America and building the coalitions to make that promise real. … His presidential runs in 1984 and 1988 electrified millions of Americans and showed them what could be possible. …
“As a young law student, I would drive back and forth from Oakland, where I lived, to San Francisco, where I went to school. I had a bumper sticker in the back window of my car that read: ‘Jesse Jackson for President.’ As I would drive across the Bay Bridge, you would not believe how people from every walk of life would give me a thumbs up or honk of support. They were small interactions, but they exemplified Reverend Jackson’s life work — lifting up the dignity of working people, building community and coalitions, and strengthening our democracy and nation.
“I was proud to partner with and learn from him on this work throughout my career, and I am so grateful for the time we spent together this January. Reverend Jackson was a selfless leader, mentor, and friend to me and so many others.”
— Former Vice President Kamala Harris
“Reverend Jesse Jackson was a giant of the civil rights movement who not only demanded change — he built the political power to pursue it.
“During the 1988 presidential campaign, several candidates sought my father Kenny Hahn’s endorsement, but he proudly chose Reverend Jackson because he believed deeply in his vision of an America rooted in justice, dignity, and opportunity. Reverend Jackson may not have won, but his campaigns changed what millions of Americans believed was possible.
“Decades later, I had the honor of joining him and other leaders on a civil rights pilgrimage to Alabama, where I brought my granddaughter, McKenna, and we walked across the Edmund Pettis Bridge together. It was a powerful reminder that his life’s work connected generations and continued to move our country forward. I will always be grateful for the example he set, and my heart is with his family and loved ones.”
— Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
“Rev. Jesse Jackson was more than a leader — he was a moral force. He challenged America to live up to its highest ideals and demanded that opportunity, dignity, and economic justice be extended to all people. His iconic voice moved generations, and his courage reshaped the national conscience.”
— Cynthia Mitchell-Heard, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League
“Jesse Jackson led many battles against police abuse and job and housing discrimination in L.A. in years past. He worked closely on these issues with Los Angeles civil rights organizations and city officials. He will remain a major contributor to L.A.’s civil rights legacy.”
— Earl Ofari Hutchinson, president Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable
