Challenges in the Life of Jesse Jackson in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Jesse Jackson faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Jesse Jackson is a prominent American civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister. Rising to prominence under Martin Luther King Jr., he has been a consistent voice for civil rights for over 70 years. He served as a shadow delegate and senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. Jackson is 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

July 16, 1960: Sit-in Arrest at Greenville Public Library

On July 16, 1960, Jesse Jackson was arrested for disorderly conduct during a sit-in at the segregated Greenville Public Library in Greenville, South Carolina.

December 1971: Falling Out with Abernathy

In December 1971, Jesse Jackson and Ralph Abernathy had a falling out, leading to Jackson's suspension as leader of Operation Breadbasket.

1983: Boycott Against Anheuser-Busch

In 1983, Jesse Jackson and Operation PUSH led a boycott against beer giant Anheuser-Busch, criticizing the company's minority employment practices.

1984: Appeal to Halt Execution of James Dupree Henry

In 1984, Jesse Jackson and Coretta Scott King asked Florida governor Bob Graham to halt the scheduled execution of James Dupree Henry, but were unsuccessful.

1984: Jackson's 1984 Presidential Candidacy

In 1984, Jesse Jackson's candidacy for president of the United States divided support among black politicians, with some refraining from endorsing him due to their belief he would not win the nomination. Despite this, he received support from prominent figures and organizations.

November 1987: Low Nomination Chances

In November 1987, a New York Times article indicated that most political analysts gave Jesse Jackson little chance of being nominated, partly because he is black and partly because of his unretrenched liberalism.

1988: Shadow Senator Consideration

In 1988, after finishing second in the primaries, Jesse Jackson felt he deserved consideration as a running mate for Dukakis. However, Dukakis stated that Jackson was of no "special or greater consideration".

1988: Debt Imperiling Operation PUSH

In early 1988, during Jesse Jackson's race for the Democratic Party nomination, the continued existence of Operation PUSH was imperiled by debt.

November 18, 1999: Jesse Jackson Addresses Decatur High School Expulsions

On November 18, 1999, Jesse Jackson intervened in the case of seven Decatur, Illinois, high school students who were expelled for two years following a brawl at a football game. Jackson argued that these expulsions were racially biased and unfair, urging the school board to reverse their decision.

2002: ESPN.com Article on University of Illinois experience

In 2002, Harry Edwards wrote an article on ESPN.com, where he noted the racial challenges and academic probation claims during Jesse Jackson's time at the University of Illinois.

2002: Jackson on Democracy and Faces Lawsuit

In 2002, Jesse Jackson discussed the evolution of democracy and faced a lawsuit from African Americans Against Exploitation Inc., alleging misrepresentation. He dismissed the lawsuit as baseless. That year, Jackson was also the target of a white supremacist terror plot.

September 1, 2003: Jackson Arrested at Yale Protest

On September 1, 2003, Jesse Jackson was arrested for blocking traffic at Yale University during a protest in solidarity with striking workers. He was the first person to be handcuffed.

2005: FEC Fines Jackson and DNC

In 2005, the Federal Election Commission ruled that Jesse Jackson and the Democratic National Committee had violated electoral law and fined them $200,000.

June 23, 2007: Jackson Arrested at Gun Store Protest

On June 23, 2007, Jesse Jackson was arrested for criminal trespassing during a protest at a gun store in Riverdale, Chicago. The protest was due to allegations that the store was selling firearms to local gang members. Jackson refused to stop blocking the entrance.

August 3, 2021: Arrest During Protest for Voting Rights

On August 3, 2021, Jesse Jackson and others were arrested for protesting, urging Congress to end the filibuster, protect voting rights, and raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.