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 Sr. is a prominent American figure known for his work as a civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister. As a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., he rose to become a leading voice in the civil rights movement and a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights. He served as a shadow U.S. Senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. Jackson's career is marked by his commitment to social justice and equality, making him a significant figure in American history.
July 16, 1960: Greenville Library Sit-In
On July 16, 1960, Jesse Jackson participated in a sit-in at the Greenville Public Library, resulting in his arrest for disorderly conduct. The city council temporarily closed both libraries in response.
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.
1966: Heading the Chicago Branch of SCLC's Operation Breadbasket
In 1966, Jesse Jackson was selected by King and Bevel to head the Chicago branch of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's (SCLC) economic arm, Operation Breadbasket.
1967: Promotion to National Director
In 1967, Jesse Jackson was promoted to national director of Operation Breadbasket.
1968: Ordained as Minister
In 1968, Jesse Jackson was ordained as a minister.
1969: Omega Psi Phi Outstanding Citizen of the Year
In 1969, Jesse Jackson was named Omega Psi Phi Outstanding Citizen of the Year, marking an early recognition of his contributions.
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 grassroots political power.
December 1971: Falling Out with Abernathy
In December 1971, Jesse Jackson and Ralph Abernathy had a falling out, leading to Jackson's suspension from Operation Breadbasket and his subsequent resignation from the SCLC.
December 25, 1971: Inception of Operation PUSH
On December 25, 1971, People United to Save Humanity (Operation PUSH) officially began operations. Jesse Jackson later changed the name to People United to Serve Humanity.
1978: Call for Closer Ties with Republican Party
In 1978, Jesse Jackson called for a closer relationship between blacks and the Republican Party.
1979: Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged
In 1979, Jesse Jackson received the Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged, which recognized his service.
May 1983: Addressed a joint session of the Alabama Legislature
In May 1983, Jesse Jackson addressed a joint session of the Alabama Legislature, advocating for unity and focusing on employment issues. He called for forgetting about black and white, and started talking about employed and unemployed.
November 3, 1983: Announced his campaign for president of the United States in the 1984 election
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 of Anheuser-Busch
In 1983, Jesse Jackson and Operation PUSH led a boycott of beer giant Anheuser-Busch over minority employment in its distribution network.
1983: Traveled to Syria to secure the release of Robert Goodman
In 1983, Jesse Jackson traveled to Syria and secured the release of captured American pilot Robert Goodman, who was being held by the Syrian government.
January 4, 1984: Welcomed to the White House after securing the release of Robert Goodman
On January 4, 1984, after Jesse Jackson secured the release of captured American pilot Robert Goodman from Syria, President Reagan welcomed Jackson and Goodman to the White House.
March 1984: Washington Post-ABC News poll places Jackson in third place
In March 1984, a Washington Post-ABC News poll found Jesse Jackson in third place with 20 percent support, behind Mondale and Hart with 39 and 32 percent respectively.
June 1984: Negotiated the release of 22 Americans being held in Cuba
In June 1984, Jesse Jackson negotiated the release of 22 Americans being held in Cuba, after an invitation by Cuban president Fidel Castro.
July 17, 1984: Addressed the Democratic National Convention
On July 17, 1984, Jesse Jackson addressed the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco, where he delivered his famous "Rainbow Coalition" speech. It was the first speech at a national convention to mention gays and lesbians.
1984: Campaign for president of the United States
In 1984, Jesse Jackson campaigned for president of the United States. His candidacy divided support among black politicians, and even prominent African Americans such as Coretta Scott King, who supported his right to run, refrained from endorsing him due to their belief he would not win the nomination.
1984: Presidential Campaign
In 1984, Jesse Jackson launched his first presidential campaign, finishing third for the Democratic nomination.
1984: Organization of Rainbow Coalition
In 1984, Jesse Jackson organized the Rainbow Coalition and resigned as president of Operation PUSH to run for president of the United States.
1984: Jackson's Campaign Successes
In 1984, Jesse Jackson's campaign was better financed and organized than in 1984. He also more than doubled his previous results.
1984: Mention of Gays and Lesbians in Convention Speech
In 1984, while seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, Jesse Jackson became the first person to mention gays and lesbians in a major-party convention speech.
1984: 25th anniversary of his 1984 presidential campaign.
In November 2009, the Congressional Black Caucus honored Jesse Jackson for the 25th anniversary of his 1984 presidential campaign.
1984: Jackson's Support Quadrupled
In the February 8, 1984 Iowa caucus, Jesse Jackson came in fourth place behind Richard Gephardt, Paul Simon, and Michael Dukakis, though he had quadrupled his support there from his 1984 bid.
1984: White voter support
Jesse Jackson's showing among Wisconsin's white voters in 1984 was significantly better than in 1984 but also noticeably lower than pre-primary polling had predicted.
January 1985: Led a procession to the Washington Monument
In January 1985, concurrent with the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan, Jesse Jackson led several hundred supporters in a procession through downtown Washington to the grounds of the Washington Monument, advocating for the protection of the poor.
June 1986: Delivered commencement speech at Medgar Evers College and called for a war on drugs
In June 1986, Jesse Jackson delivered a commencement speech at Medgar Evers College lamenting ethical collapse and spiritual withdrawal among young people and, following the death of Len Bias, called for Reagan to announce a nationwide war on drugs.
1986: Speculation about a presidential run
By early 1986, there was speculation that Jackson would run for president again in 1988.
March 1987: Formed an exploratory committee for a potential presidential run
In March 1987, Jesse Jackson formed an exploratory committee, making him the second potential candidate to do so, after Gary Hart, for a potential presidential run in 1988.
April 1987: Spent six days in Iowa and moved his office to the rural part of the state
By April 1987, after previously having spent "all of half a day" in Iowa, Jesse Jackson had spent six days there throughout the year and moved his office to the rural part of the state instead of Des Moines.
October 11, 1987: Jackson Announces 1988 Presidential Candidacy
On October 11, 1987, Jesse Jackson announced his candidacy in the 1988 presidential election, leading in nine of the twelve Southern states in polling.
November 1987: Political Analysis of Jackson's Candidacy
In November 1987, analysts gave Jesse Jackson little chance of being nominated due to his race and liberal views. Allegations about his half-brother's criminal activity also interrupted his campaign. Despite this, his past successes, better financing, and organization made him a credible candidate.
1987: Effort to prevent campaign's deterioration
During the 1987 Chicago mayoral election, Jesse Jackson led an effort to get Chairman Paul G. Kirk to meet with the Cook County party leaders in Chicago to prevent the campaign's deterioration and avoid "dissension and splintering of the Democratic vote".
1987: Assessment as a successful black leader
In 1987, Donald Rheem recognized Jesse Jackson as "one of the most successful black leaders in American history".
1987: Jackson's Campaign Platform
In 1987, Jesse Jackson's campaign platform included universal healthcare, higher taxes on the wealthy, defense spending cuts, the Equal Rights Amendment, banning discrimination against gays and lesbians, reducing the flow of drugs, and suspending nuclear weapons development. The New York Times called Jackson "a classic liberal in the tradition of the New Deal and the Great Society".
1987: Description of PUSH's Activities
In 1987, Operation PUSH's activities were described as conducting boycotts of businesses to induce them to provide more jobs and business to blacks and as running programs for housing, social services, and voter registration.
1987: Participation in March on Washington
In 1987, while seeking the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, Jesse Jackson was one of the leaders of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
1988: Speculation about a presidential run
By early 1986, there was speculation that Jackson would run for president again in 1988.
1988: Second Presidential Bid
In 1988, Jesse Jackson mounted a second presidential bid, finishing as the runner‑up for the Democratic nomination.
1988: The Year of Jackson
In 1988, Jesse Jackson once again exceeded expectations as he more than doubled his previous results, prompting R. W. Apple of The New York Times to call 1988 "the Year of Jackson".
1988: 1988 Presidential Election
In 1988, Jesse Jackson was running for president. Polling showed that at the time of his announcement in October 1987, he led in nine of the 12 Southern states that would hold primaries or caucuses in March and led the Democratic field at 27 percent.
1988: Jackson's 1988 Presidential Campaign
In 1988, Jesse Jackson's campaign received 6.9 million votes and won 11 contests. After the last primaries, Jackson met with Dukakis to discuss his platform and the possibility of being Dukakis' running mate. Ultimately, Dukakis chose Lloyd Bentsen, and Jackson expressed his strategy to "keep hope alive" until the Democratic National Convention.
1988: Potential Mayoral Run
In 1988, after District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry was arrested, Jesse Jackson was under pressure to enter the mayoral race, but he declined.
1988: Presidential Nomination bid
In 1988, while seeking the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, Jesse Jackson was one of the leaders of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
1988: Debt Imperils Operation PUSH
In early 1988, the continued existence of Operation PUSH was imperiled by debt, a fact that Jesse Jackson's political opponents used during his race for the 1988 Democratic Party nomination.
1990: Election as Shadow Senator
In 1990, Jesse Jackson was elected as the District of Columbia's shadow senator.
November 1991: Jackson Declares He Will Not Run
In November 1991, Jesse Jackson declared he would not mount a third presidential bid and called for the creation of a "new democratic majority".
1991: Shadow Senator
In 1991, Jesse Jackson began serving as a shadow United States senator for the District of Columbia, a role he held until 1997.
1991: American Whig–Cliosophic Society's James Madison Award
In 1991, Jesse Jackson received the American Whig–Cliosophic Society's James Madison Award for Distinguished Public Service, acknowledging his contributions.
1991: Went to Iraq to plead with Saddam Hussein for the release of foreign nationals.
On the eve of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Jesse Jackson went to Iraq to plead with Saddam Hussein for the release of foreign nationals held there as "human shields", securing the release of several Britons and 20 Americans.
January 1992: Hosting CNN Talk Show
In January 1992, Jesse Jackson began hosting a CNN talk show, Both Sides with Jesse Jackson.
April 26, 1992: Meeting with Bill Clinton
On April 26, 1992, Jesse Jackson and Bill Clinton met and announced their commitment to defeating George Bush in the general election.
1992: Hosting "Both Sides with Jesse Jackson"
In 1992, Jesse Jackson began hosting "Both Sides with Jesse Jackson" on CNN.
1993: Speech at the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation
In 1993, Jesse Jackson delivered a speech at the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation, advocating for respect and protection for all people, and condemning homophobia. He said "No more homophobia. Let's respect people, protect people. Everyone is somebody".
1996: Introduction to Anheuser-Busch CEO
In 1996, Jesse Jackson family friend Ron Burkle introduced Anheuser-Busch CEO August Busch IV to Yusef Jackson, Jesse's son.
1996: Clinton "petrified" of primary challenge from Jackson
In 1996, Peter Beinart alleged that President Bill Clinton was "petrified about a primary challenge from Jackson" during the U.S. presidential election. Jackson later became a key ally in gaining African-American support for Clinton.
October 1997: Appointed Special Envoy to Africa
In October 1997, Jesse Jackson accepted an offer from President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to serve as "Special Envoy of the President and Secretary of State for the Promotion of Democracy in Africa".
1997: Backed Al Sharpton in NYC mayoral bid
In 1997, Jesse Jackson backed Al Sharpton in his bid for mayor of New York City, criticizing Alan Hevesi for refusing to support Sharpton if he won the primary.
1997: End of Term as Shadow Senator
In 1997, Jesse Jackson did not run for reelection as "shadow senator" for the District of Columbia.
1997: Met with Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi as U.S. President Bill Clinton's special envoy
In 1997, Jesse Jackson traveled to Kenya to meet with Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi as U.S. President Bill Clinton's special envoy for democracy to promote free and fair elections.
1998: Sons Head Beer Distribution Company
In 1998, Anheuser-Busch chose Jesse Jackson's sons, Yusef and Jonathan, to head River North Sales, a Chicago beer distribution company.
March 1999: Announced he would not be a candidate in the 2000 election
In March 1999, Jesse Jackson announced he would not be a candidate in the 2000 U.S. presidential election, choosing instead to champion education and health care reform.
April 1999: Negotiated the release of three 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 while patrolling with a UN peacekeeping unit. The release was secured after meeting with then-Yugoslav president Slobodan Milošević.
November 18, 1999: Advocated for students expelled in Decatur, Illinois
On November 18, 1999, after seven Decatur, Illinois high school students were expelled for participating in a brawl, Jesse Jackson argued that the expulsions were racially biased and called on the school board to reverse its decision.
1999: Golden Doves for Peace journalistic prize
In 1999, Jesse Jackson received the Golden Doves for Peace journalistic prize awarded by the Italian Research Institute Archive Disarmo, celebrating his contributions to peace.
March 1, 2000: Endorsed Al Gore for President
On March 1, 2000, Jesse Jackson endorsed Vice President Al Gore for President, highlighting his accomplishments and experience as a congressman, senator, and vice president.
2000: Speaking in support of Joe Lieberman
In 2000, Jesse Jackson was invited to speak in support of Jewish U.S. senator and vice-presidential nominee Joe Lieberman at the Democratic National Convention.
2000: End of "Both Sides with Jesse Jackson"
In 2000, Jesse Jackson's show "Both Sides with Jesse Jackson" ended on CNN.
2001: Chicago Tribune Story
In 2001, the Chicago Tribune noted the moves related to the Anheuser-Busch boycott in a front-page story.
February 15, 2003: Spoke at demonstration against the invasion of Iraq
On February 15, 2003, Jesse Jackson spoke to over an estimated one million people in Hyde Park, London, at a demonstration against the imminent invasion of Iraq by the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
February 2004: Speech at the 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 their support of Bush.
November 2004: Visited Northern Ireland to encourage better 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.
2004: Speech in support of same-sex marriage
In 2004, Jesse Jackson delivered a speech in Massachusetts, in support of same-sex marriage, which had become the first state to recognize same-sex marriage. He stated that "Gays deserve the right of choice to choose their own partners".
August 2005: Met with President Hugo Chávez after controversial remarks by Pat Robertson
In August 2005, Jesse Jackson went to Venezuela to meet with President Hugo Chávez after controversial remarks by televangelist Pat Robertson implied that Chávez should be assassinated. Jackson condemned Robertson's remarks as immoral and stated that Venezuela posed no threat to the U.S.
2005: Yusef Jackson Interview
In a 2005 interview with Crain's Chicago Business, Yusef Jackson stated that there was no causal connection between the 1983 boycott and his purchase of the company in 1998.
March 2007: Supported Barack Obama in 2008
In March 2007, Jesse Jackson declared his support for then-Senator Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
2008: California Proposition 8
In 2008, Jesse Jackson delivered a speech at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco, speech against 2008 California Proposition 8
2008: Legacy of 1980s presidential campaigns
Jesse Jackson's 1980s presidential campaigns are seen as historic and credited with increasing black voter turnout, exceeding expectations, and paving the way for Barack Obama's 2008 campaign.
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 multiple locations in Malaysia and Thailand.
December 6, 2010: Speech against 2008 California Proposition 8
On December 6, 2010, Jesse Jackson delivered a speech against 2008 California Proposition 8 at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco.
2010: Speech at a gay rights rally in San Francisco
In 2010, Jesse Jackson gave a speech to a gay rights rally in San Francisco at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which was then considering a case challenging 2008 California Proposition 8.
2012: Commended Obama's support for gay marriage
In 2012, Jesse Jackson commended Obama's decision to support gay marriage and compared the fight for marriage equality to the fight against slavery.
2012: Support for Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage
In 2012, Jesse Jackson supported President Barack Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage, stating it was a "bold step in the right direction" and comparing it to the fight for racial equality.
July 2013: Meeting with Marissa Alexander and calling for sentence reduction
In July 2013, Jesse Jackson met with Marissa Alexander and advocated for Angela Corey to reduce Alexander's 20-year sentence. Jackson contrasted Alexander's sentence with George Zimmerman's acquittal, highlighting the disparity in justice.
2013: Attended Hugo Chávez's funeral
In 2013, Jesse Jackson attended Hugo Chávez's funeral. He stated that "democracies mature" and incorrectly said that the first 15 U.S. presidents owned slaves.
January 2015: Panel Discussion at Stanford University
In January 2015, Jesse Jackson participated in a panel discussion at Stanford University, urging East Palo Alto residents to resist gentrification, even if it required marching to company headquarters. He also met with Silicon Valley leaders during this time.
2016: Endorsement and commentary on the Presidential election
In 2016, Jesse Jackson initially declined to endorse either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders but later endorsed Clinton after she secured the nomination. He commented on Donald Trump's video regarding police killings, acknowledging its "significant remarks" but criticizing Trump's past actions. After Trump's election victory, Jackson urged him to unite the country.
January 2018: Sermon in Fort Washington, Maryland
In January 2018, Jesse Jackson delivered a sermon in Fort Washington, Maryland, where he criticized Donald Trump for being misleading and out of touch with the struggles of ordinary people due to his inherited wealth and privilege.
June 2019: Comments on Joe Biden's Stance on Segregation
In June 2019, as Joe Biden prepared to speak at Rainbow PUSH, Jesse Jackson expressed that he did not understand Biden's previous support for segregated school busing. However, he also stated his belief that Biden had changed his stance and voiced his opposition to states' rights.
March 8, 2020: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders for president
On March 8, 2020, Jesse Jackson endorsed Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish, for president.
March 2020: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders
In March 2020, Jesse Jackson endorsed Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary, citing Sanders' commitments to him. It was reported that Jackson requested Sanders choose an African-American woman as his running mate.
June 2020: Reaction to Breonna Taylor killing
In June 2020, following the killing of Breonna Taylor, Jesse Jackson commended Mayor Greg Fischer for announcing a review of police conduct and policies. He also criticized Senator Rand Paul for delaying a bill that would make lynching a hate crime.
April 2021: Reaction 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 and urged people to "learn to live together as brothers and sisters and not die apart".
August 3, 2021: Arrested during protest for voting rights
On August 3, 2021, Jesse Jackson was arrested with others for protesting, urging Congress to end the filibuster, protect voting rights, and raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.
2021: Commander of the Legion of Honor
In 2021, Jesse Jackson was appointed Commander of the Legion of Honor, France's highest order of merit, presented by French president Emmanuel Macron, for his work in civil rights. He was also elected an Honorary Fellow of Homerton College, Cambridge the same year.
July 2023: Announcement of Stepping Down as Leader of Rainbow/PUSH
In July 2023, Jesse Jackson announced his plan to step down as the leader of Rainbow/PUSH, citing his age and health complications, including Parkinson's disease and previous hospitalizations. Mayor Brandon Johnson and Al Sharpton commented on Jackson's legacy and contributions.
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