Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jesse Jackson

How Jesse Jackson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jesse Louis Jackson is a prominent American civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister. He rose to prominence as a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement and has remained a leading figure in civil rights advocacy for decades. He served as a shadow delegate and senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. Jackson is also the father of former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. and current U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson.

Sections (6)

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

1965: Participation in Selma to Montgomery Marches

In 1965, Jesse Jackson participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches, organized by James Bevel, Martin Luther King Jr., and other civil rights leaders in Alabama.

1966: Drops out of Seminary

In 1966, Jesse Jackson dropped out of the Chicago Theological Seminary to focus on the civil rights movement.

1966: Head of Chicago Branch of SCLC

In 1966, King and Bevel selected Jackson to head the Chicago branch of the SCLC's economic arm, Operation Breadbasket.

1967: Promoted to National Director

In 1967, Jackson was promoted to national director of Operation Breadbasket.

1968: Ordained as a Minister

In 1968, Jesse Jackson was ordained a minister.

October 1971: Black Expo in Chicago

In October 1971, Jesse Jackson organized the Black Expo in Chicago, a trade and business fair to promote black capitalism and grass roots political power.

December 1971: Falling Out with Abernathy

In December 1971, Jesse Jackson and Ralph Abernathy had a complete falling out, leading to Jackson's suspension as leader of Operation Breadbasket. Al Sharpton left the SCLC to protest Jackson's treatment.

December 25, 1971: Operation PUSH Begins

On December 25, 1971, People United to Save Humanity (Operation PUSH) officially began operations. Jackson planned to orient Operation PUSH toward politics.

1978: Call for Closer Relationship with Republican Party

In 1978, Jesse Jackson called for a closer relationship between blacks and the Republican Party.

1980: Voter Turnout Increase

In 1980, massive voter registration drives targeting black voters led to a 69 percent increase in voter turnout from in Georgia and Alabama during Jackson's run.

May 1983: Address to Alabama Legislature

In May 1983, Jesse Jackson became the first African-American man since Reconstruction to address a joint session of the Alabama Legislature, advocating for unity based on employment status rather than race, signaling a potential presidential candidacy.

November 3, 1983: Announcement of Presidential Campaign

On November 3, 1983, Jesse Jackson announced his campaign for president of the United States in the 1984 election, becoming the second African American to mount a nationwide campaign for president as a Democrat.

1983: Boycott against Anheuser-Busch

In 1983, Jesse Jackson and Operation PUSH led a boycott against beer giant Anheuser-Busch, criticizing their minority employment levels.

1983: Travel to Syria to secure the release of a captured American pilot

In 1983, Jesse Jackson traveled to Syria and successfully negotiated with President Hafez al-Assad for the release of captured American pilot Navy Lt. Robert Goodman.

January 4, 1984: Reagan Welcomes Jackson and Goodman to White House

On January 4, 1984, after Jesse Jackson successfully negotiated the release of Navy Lt. Robert Goodman from Syria, President Reagan welcomed both Jackson and Goodman to the White House. This event increased Jackson's popularity and served as a springboard for his 1984 presidential run.

March 1984: Jackson's Support in Primaries and Polls

In March 1984, a Washington Post-ABC News poll placed Jesse Jackson in third place with 20 percent support during his presidential campaign, noting his success in unifying and raising the expectations of black voters.

June 1984: Jackson Negotiates Release of Americans in Cuba

In June 1984, Jesse Jackson, upon invitation by Fidel Castro, negotiated the release of 22 Americans who were being held in Cuba.

1984: Address to Democratic National Convention

In 1984, Jesse Jackson addressed the Democratic National Convention, offering an apology for comments considered derogatory to Jews and reaffirming his loyalty to the party.

1984: Presidential Campaign

In 1984, Jesse Jackson launched a presidential campaign. He finished in third place for the Democratic nomination.

1984: Formation of Rainbow Coalition

In 1984, Jesse Jackson organized the Rainbow Coalition and resigned as president of Operation PUSH to run for president.

1984: 25th Anniversary of Presidential Campaign

In November 2009, the Congressional Black Caucus honored Jesse Jackson for the 25th anniversary of his 1984 presidential campaign.

January 1985: Procession in Washington to Washington Monument

In January 1985, concurrent with the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan, Jesse Jackson led supporters in a procession through Washington to the Washington Monument to advocate for the poor.

June 1986: Commencement Speech at Medgar Evers College

In June 1986, Jesse Jackson delivered a commencement speech at Medgar Evers College, expressing concerns about ethical and spiritual decline among young people and the rise of drug use.

1986: Speculation of Second Presidential Run

In early 1986, speculation began that Jesse Jackson would mount a second presidential run in 1988.

March 1987: Formation of Exploratory Committee

In March 1987, Jesse Jackson formed an exploratory committee for a potential presidential run, after Gary Hart.

April 1987: Campaigning in Iowa

In April 1987, Jesse Jackson spent six days campaigning in Iowa and moved his office to a rural area, emphasizing the shared economic struggles of farmers, businessmen, and unemployed blacks.

October 11, 1987: Announcement of Candidacy in 1988 Presidential Election

On October 11, 1987, Jesse Jackson announced his candidacy in the 1988 presidential election, leading in polls in nine of the 12 Southern states.

November 1987: Media and Analysts' Assessment of Jackson's Candidacy

In November 1987, a New York Times article highlighted that most political analysts gave Jesse Jackson little chance of being nominated in the presidential race, citing factors such as his race and his liberal political stance.

1987: Jackson praised as a successful black leader

In 1987, Donald Rheem described Jesse Jackson as "one of the most successful black leaders in American history", acknowledging his 25 years of public service which included voter registration drives, inner-city economic development, and advocating for a moral message that urged black individuals to stay away from drugs and pursue fulfilling lives.

1987: Involvement in Chicago Mayoral Election

In 1987, Jesse Jackson intervened in the Chicago mayoral election to prevent the deterioration of the Democratic campaign and avoid a split in the Democratic vote, amidst concerns about Harold Washington's reelection.

1987: Jackson's Campaign Platform

In 1987, Jesse Jackson's campaign platform included a single-payer system of universal health care, higher taxes on the wealthy, defense spending cuts, the Equal Rights Amendment, drug control, and infrastructure investment.

1987: PUSH's Activities and Debt

In 1987, Operation PUSH's activities included boycotts and programs for housing, social services, and voter registration. The organization was imperiled by debt.

1988: Meeting with Dukakis and Democratic National Convention

In 1988, Jesse Jackson met with Michael Dukakis after the Democratic primaries to discuss Jackson's platform, including universal voter registration and delegate allocation rules. Jackson sought consideration as Dukakis's running mate. Tensions arose, requiring Jimmy Carter to mediate before the 1988 Democratic National Convention. Following Dukakis's nomination, Jackson appeared with Dukakis and Lloyd Bentsen, and by September, Jackson's former campaign members disputed with the Dukakis campaign.

1988: Second Presidential Bid

In 1988, Jesse Jackson mounted a second bid for president. He finished as the runner-up to Michael Dukakis.

1988: Candidacy in 1988 Presidential Election

In 1988, Jesse Jackson ran for president.

1988: Jackson's Performance and Credibility in the 1988 Presidential Campaign

In 1988, Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign gained credibility, exceeding expectations and improving upon his 1984 results. Despite facing challenges, including allegations against his half-brother, Jackson's broader appeal among white voters solidified his position as a prominent candidate.

1988: Consideration for Mayoral Race

In 1988, following the arrest of Marion Barry, Jesse Jackson was pressured to run for mayor of the District of Columbia but ultimately decided not to.

1988: 1988 Democratic Party nomination

In early 1988 the continued existence of Operation PUSH was imperiled by debt, a fact that Jackson's political opponents used during his race for the 1988 Democratic Party nomination.

1988: Speculation of Second Presidential Run

In early 1988, speculation began that Jesse Jackson would mount a second presidential run.

1990: Election to the United States Senate

In 1990, Jesse Jackson was elected to the United States Senate for the District of Columbia, serving as a shadow delegate.

November 1991: Jackson Declares No Presidential Bid

In November 1991, Jesse Jackson informed Ron Brown that he would not enter the 1992 Democratic Party presidential primaries and publicly called for the creation of a "new democratic majority".

1991: Election as Shadow Senator

In 1991, Jesse Jackson ran for and was elected as "shadow senator" for the District of Columbia, a position he held until 1997.

1991: Shadow Delegate and Senator

In 1991, Jesse Jackson served as a shadow delegate for the District of Columbia.

1991: Trip to Iraq to plead with Saddam Hussein for the release of foreign nationals

In 1991, on the eve of the Persian Gulf War, Jesse Jackson traveled to Iraq to plead with Saddam Hussein for the release of foreign nationals held as a "human shield", securing the release of several British and 20 American individuals.

January 1992: Hosting CNN's 'Both Sides with Jesse Jackson'

In January 1992, Jesse Jackson began hosting "Both Sides with Jesse Jackson", a talk show on CNN that featured guests with opposing viewpoints on various issues.

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April 26, 1992: Meeting with Bill Clinton

On April 26, 1992, Jesse Jackson and Bill Clinton met to discuss defeating George H.W. Bush in the general election. While Jackson did not immediately endorse Clinton, he indicated he would be well on his way if he won the party's nomination.

1992: Host of Both Sides with Jesse Jackson on CNN

From 1992, Jesse Jackson hosted Both Sides with Jesse Jackson on CNN.

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1996: Merger of Operation PUSH and Rainbow Coalition

In 1996, the Operation PUSH and Rainbow Coalition organizations were merged.

1997: End of Shadow Senator Role

In 1997, Jesse Jackson did not seek re-election as shadow senator for the District of Columbia, ending his service in the position.

1997: Backing Al Sharpton for Mayor

In 1997, Jesse Jackson supported Al Sharpton's mayoral bid in New York City, criticizing Alan Hevesi for refusing to support Sharpton if he won the primary.

1997: Travel to Kenya as special envoy for democracy

In 1997, Jesse Jackson traveled to Kenya as United States President Bill Clinton's special envoy for democracy to meet with Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi to promote free and fair elections.

1997: End of Term as Shadow Senator

In 1997, Jesse Jackson's term as a shadow senator for the District of Columbia concluded.

1998: Yusef and Jonathan Jackson Chosen to Head River North Sales

In 1998, Yusef and Jonathan Jackson were chosen by Anheuser-Busch to head River North Sales, a Chicago beer distribution company.

March 1999: Jackson Announces He Will Not Run For President

In March 1999, Jesse Jackson announced that he would not be a candidate in the 2000 presidential election, stating his intent to continue advocating for education and health care reform.

April 1999: Negotiation for release of U.S. POWs in Belgrade

In April 1999, during the Kosovo War, Jesse Jackson traveled to Belgrade to negotiate the release of three U.S. POWs captured on the Macedonian border. He met with Yugoslav president Slobodan Milošević, who agreed to release the men.

March 1, 2000: Jackson Endorses Al Gore

On March 1, 2000, Jesse Jackson endorsed Vice President Al Gore for president, citing Gore's experience and accomplishments.

March 2000: Criticism of Giuliani

In March 2000, Jesse Jackson criticized Rudy Giuliani's handling of the Patrick Dorismond shooting, prompting a response from Giuliani's spokesman, who accused Jackson of joining a political attack led by Al Sharpton on behalf of Hillary Clinton.

2000: Jackson speaks in support of Joe Lieberman

In 2000, Jesse Jackson was invited to speak at the Democratic National Convention in support of Jewish Senator and Vice Presidential candidate Joe Lieberman.

2000: End of CNN Show

In 2000, Jesse Jackson's show Both Sides with Jesse Jackson ended on CNN.

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2000: Southern Voters Supporting Bush

In 2000, Southern voters supported Bush.

February 15, 2003: Speech at Anti-War Demonstration in London

On February 15, 2003, Jesse Jackson spoke in front of over an estimated one million people in Hyde Park, London at the culmination of the anti-war demonstration against the imminent invasion of Iraq by the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

February 2004: Address at John F. Kennedy School of Government

In February 2004, Jesse Jackson delivered an address at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, calling for Southern voters to turn away from supporting Bush and endorsing John Kerry.

November 2004: Visit to Northern Ireland to encourage cross-community relations

In November 2004, Jesse Jackson visited senior politicians and community activists in Northern Ireland to encourage better cross-community relations, rebuild the peace process, and restore the governmental institutions of the Belfast Agreement.

August 2005: Meeting with Hugo Chávez in Venezuela

In August 2005, Jesse Jackson traveled to Venezuela to meet with President Hugo Chávez after controversial remarks by Pat Robertson. Jackson condemned Robertson's remarks and stated that there was no evidence Venezuela posed a threat to the U.S.

2005: Involvement in UK's Operation Black Vote

In 2005, Jesse Jackson participated in the United Kingdom's Operation Black Vote, a campaign to encourage more ethnic minorities to vote in political elections ahead of the 2005 General Election.

March 2007: Support for Barack Obama

In March 2007, Jesse Jackson declared his support for Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries.

2008: Jackson's campaigns credited with paving the way for Obama

In 2008, Barack Obama's successful presidential campaign was attributed, in part, to Jesse Jackson's historic presidential campaigns in the 1980s, which are credited with increasing black voter turnout and exceeding expectations.

2009: Speaker for the International Peace Foundation

In 2009, Jesse Jackson served as a speaker for the International Peace Foundation on the topic "Building a culture of peace and development in a globalized world". He visited Malaysia and Thailand.

2012: Support for Gay Marriage

In 2012, Jesse Jackson commended Obama's support for gay marriage, comparing it to the fight against slavery and anti-miscegenation laws, and favored federal legislation extending marriage rights to gay people.

2013: Attendance at Hugo Chávez's funeral

In 2013, Jesse Jackson attended Hugo Chávez's funeral and commented on the evolution of democracies, drawing parallels with the historical context of slavery in the United States.

January 2015: Call to Combat Gentrification

In January 2015, Jesse Jackson participated in a panel discussion at Stanford University, where he called for Palo Alto residents to combat gentrification and met with Silicon Valley leaders.

2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Jesse Jackson endorsed Hillary Clinton for president after she secured the Democratic nomination, and urged voters to support her over Donald Trump.

June 2019: Jackson Discusses Biden's Record on Segregation

In June 2019, Jesse Jackson stated that he did not understand Joe Biden's past support for segregated school busing, expressing his opposition to states' rights as Biden prepared to deliver remarks for Rainbow PUSH.

2019: Jackson Delivers Food to Venezuelan Embassy Activists

In 2019, during the Venezuelan presidential crisis, Jesse Jackson delivered food to activists occupying the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, D.C.

March 8, 2020: Jackson Endorses Bernie Sanders for President

On March 8, 2020, Jesse Jackson endorsed Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish, for president of the United States.

March 2020: Jackson Endorses Bernie Sanders for President

In March 2020, Jesse Jackson endorsed Bernie Sanders in the primary, stating that Sanders had made several commitments to him and reportedly requesting that Sanders pick an African-American woman as his running mate.

June 2020: Jackson Praises Louisville Mayor and Criticizes Senator Rand Paul

In June 2020, after the killing of Breonna Taylor, Jesse Jackson praised Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer for announcing a review of police conduct and criticized Senator Rand Paul for delaying a bill that would make lynching a hate crime.

April 2021: Jackson Reacts to Derek Chauvin Verdict

In April 2021, after Derek Chauvin was convicted of George Floyd's murder, Jesse Jackson appeared with the Floyd family at a press conference, urging attendees to "learn to live together as brothers and sisters and not die apart."

July 2023: Jackson Announces Plans to Step Down as Leader of Rainbow/PUSH

In July 2023, Jesse Jackson announced his plans to step down as the leader of Rainbow/PUSH due to his advanced age and health complications, including Parkinson's disease and previous hospitalizations.

2023: Jackson Calls for Action Ahead of State of the Union Address

In 2023, ahead of the State of the Union Address, Jesse Jackson wrote an op-ed urging Biden to extend the Child Tax Credit, make voter registration automatic, limit big money in politics, and revive the Voting Rights Act.