In Sacred Memory of Jesse Jackson

A towering servant of faith and freedom, whose life’s work bent the arc of history toward justice and whose courage stirred generations to believe in a better tomorrow.

A gifted orator, Jackson articulated the frustrations of those who felt like second-class citizens in the world's most prosperous democracy.

Today, we honor a giant of faith, courage, and conviction — the Reverend Jesse Jackson. A preacher with a prophet’s fire and a patriot’s hope, he has spent his life bending the arc of history toward justice.

From marching alongside the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to launching the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Rev. Jackson has been a fearless voice for the forgotten, the marginalized, and the overlooked. He dared to believe that America could be better — and then dedicated his life to helping make it so.

His presidential campaigns were not merely bids for office; they were movements of hope. He lifted the poor, the working class, minorities, and those shut out of opportunity, reminding the nation that “we are all God’s children” and that justice is not a privilege, but a promise.

Jesse Jackson shaking hands as he greets supporters from a podium during the US presidential campaign in Alabama, 1988. Photograph: Don McPhee

Rev. Jackson preached a gospel that refused to stay inside church walls. He carried faith into the streets, into policy debates, into boardrooms, and onto the global stage. His life is a testimony that prayer and protest can walk hand in hand.

He taught us to keep hope alive — not as a slogan, but as a discipline. A discipline of faith. A discipline of courage. A discipline of relentless love for humanity.

Jesse Jackson and Nelson Mandela in South Africa, 2005. Photograph: Jon Hrusa

We salute an icon, a drum major for justice, a servant-leader whose voice has echoed across generations. Because of him, doors were opened. Because of him, minds were changed. Because of him, many dared to dream bigger.

Reverend Jesse Jackson and Barrack Obama

Rev. Jesse Jackson, thank you for keeping hope alive. Rest In Peace Icon!

May the Earth Hold Him Gently

Di Pa from Regent