Early Life and Education of Jesse Jackson Jr.: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Jesse Jackson Jr., highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Jesse Louis Jackson Jr. is a former American politician who represented Illinois's 2nd congressional district from 1995 to 2012. As a Democrat and the son of Jesse Jackson, he was involved in his father's presidential campaign and Operation PUSH before entering politics. His wife, Sandi Jackson, was a Chicago City Council member. He co-chaired Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and maintained a liberal stance on social and fiscal issues, co-authoring books on civil rights and personal finance.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

March 11, 1965: Jesse Jackson Jr. Born

On March 11, 1965, Jesse Louis Jackson Jr., son of activist and former presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, was born. He later became a U.S. Representative for Illinois's 2nd congressional district.

Others born on this day/year

February 1984: Featured in Sports Illustrated

In February 1984, Jesse Jackson Jr. was featured in Sports Illustrated as part of their Faces in the Crowd section, noted for his achievements as an all-state running back, including 15 touchdowns and 889 rushing yards.

1987: Graduated from North Carolina A&T University

In 1987, Jesse Jackson Jr. graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina A&T University with a Bachelor of Science degree.

1988: Meeting Future Wife

In 1988, during the presidential campaign, Jesse Jackson Jr. met Sandi Stevens, who was the press secretary for United States Congressman Mickey Leland, and who would later become his wife.

February 1990: Shared Stage with Nelson Mandela

In February 1990, Jesse Jackson Jr. shared the stage with Nelson Mandela during Mandela's historic speech following his release from imprisonment in Cape Town.

June 1, 1991: Marriage to Sandi Stevens

On June 1, 1991, Jesse Jackson Jr. married Sandi Stevens while both were law students at the University of Illinois College of Law.

1993: Earned Juris Doctor

In 1993, Jesse Jackson Jr. earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law.

March 2005: Jackson Reveals Bariatric Surgery

In March 2005, Jesse Jackson Jr. revealed that he had lost 50 pounds due to bariatric surgery, specifically a duodenal switch procedure similar to one his sister had.

November 18, 2006: Founder's Day Keynote Address

On November 18, 2006, Jesse Jackson Jr. delivered the keynote address to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity at the Founder's Day gathering.

November 4, 2008: Obama Elected President, Resigns Senate Seat

On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama was elected President of the United States and subsequently resigned his seat in the U.S. Senate, prompting discussions and considerations for his replacement, including Jesse Jackson Jr. as a possible candidate.

November 13, 2008: Obama Resignation Announcement

On November 13, 2008, the date Obama officially announced his resignation, Danny Davis and Tammy Duckworth noted they hadn't been contacted by the governor's office regarding the Senate seat succession.

March 24, 2009: Home Featured on HGTV's Hidden Potential

On March 24, 2009, the South Shore home of Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife was featured on an episode of HGTV's Hidden Potential.

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June 10, 2012: Medical leave of absence from the House

On June 10, 2012, Jesse Jackson Jr. took a medical leave of absence from the House, citing exhaustion.

July 11, 2012: Treatment for a mood disorder

On July 11, 2012, Jesse Jackson Jr.'s office announced that he was being treated for a mood disorder at a residential treatment facility.

July 12, 2012: Absence from Congress Acknowledged

On July 12, 2012, Jesse Jackson Jr.'s office acknowledged his absence from Congress since June 10, stating he was receiving intensive medical treatment for a mood disorder.

July 27, 2012: Treatment at Mayo Clinic

On July 27, 2012, it was announced that Jesse Jackson Jr. was undergoing evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

August 13, 2012: Confirmed treatment for bipolar disorder

On August 13, 2012, news outlets confirmed that Jesse Jackson Jr. was being treated for bipolar disorder.

October 26, 2013: Reported to prison

On October 26, 2013, Jesse Jackson Jr. reported to the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina, to begin serving his prison sentence.

March 26, 2015: Release from Prison

On March 26, 2015, Jesse Jackson Jr. was released from prison.

June 22, 2015: Released from halfway house

On June 22, 2015, Jesse Jackson Jr. was released in the morning after spending three months serving his remaining sentence in a halfway house.

July 14, 2016: Divorce Filing

On July 14, 2016, Jesse Jackson Jr. filed for divorce from his wife in Cook County, Illinois.

2024: Sought Presidential Pardon

At the end of 2024, Jesse Jackson Jr. and other Democratic Chicago leaders requested President Joe Biden for a pardon for Jackson, but it was not granted.