Childhood and Education Journey of Jesse Jackson in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jesse Jackson. A timeline of key moments.

Jesse Jackson is an American civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister. He rose to prominence as a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. and has remained a leading figure in the civil rights movement for over seven decades. He served as a shadow delegate and senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. He is the father of U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson and former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr.

Sections (6)

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

October 8, 1941: Jesse Jackson Born

On October 8, 1941, Jesse Louis Jackson, was born in Greenville, South Carolina. He is an American civil rights activist, politician, and ordained Baptist minister.

1955: Montgomery Bus Boycott Impact

In 1955, Jesse Jackson accepted Jim Crow segregation laws until the Montgomery bus boycott.

1959: High School Graduation

In 1959, Jesse Jackson graduated from high school and rejected a contract from a minor league professional baseball team to attend the University of Illinois on a football scholarship.

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

On July 16, 1960, Jesse Jackson participated in a sit-in at the Greenville Public Library, resulting in his arrest for "disorderly conduct."

1960: Academic Probation Allegation

In 1960, it was suggested that Jesse Jackson left the University of Illinois because he was placed on academic probation.

December 31, 1962: Marriage to Jacqueline Lavinia Brown

On December 31, 1962, Jesse Jackson married Jacqueline Lavinia Brown.

1964: Graduation with B.S. in sociology

In 1964, Jesse Jackson graduated from A&T with a B.S. in sociology.

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: Dropped out of Seminary

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

April 4, 1968: Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Jesse Jackson was present and gave conflicting accounts of the event.

1968: Ordained a Minister

In 1968, Jesse Jackson was ordained a minister.

1969: Viewed as King's Successor

In 1969, Jesse Jackson was viewed by several black leaders as Martin Luther King Jr.'s successor and was seen as preaching racial reconciliation.

October 1971: Black Expo in Chicago

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

1978: Call for Closer Relationship with the Republican Party

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

1978: Meeting with James Earl Ray

In 1978, Jesse Jackson met with James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., and stated that Ray was involved in the assassination but did not act alone.

1980: Increase in Voter Turnout

In the Georgia, Alabama and Florida primaries massive registration drives targeted at black voters led to a 69 percent increase in voter turnout from 1980.

May 1983: Addressed the Alabama Legislature

In May 1983, Jesse Jackson became the first African-American man since Reconstruction to address a joint session of the Alabama Legislature. He stated it was "about time we forgot about black and white and started talking about employed and unemployed".

November 3, 1983: Announced candidacy for president

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: Release of American Pilot in Syria

In 1983, Jesse Jackson traveled to Syria to secure the release of a captured American pilot, Navy Lt. Robert Goodman.

January 4, 1984: Reagan Welcomes Jackson and Goodman

On January 4, 1984, President Reagan welcomed Jesse Jackson and Robert Goodman to the White House after Jackson secured Goodman's release from Syria.

March 1984: Jackson's support in 1984 Washington Post-ABC News poll

In March 1984, a Washington Post-ABC News poll found Jesse Jackson in third place with 20 percent support, behind Walter Mondale and Gary Hart. Jackson received three quarters of the black vote in the Democratic primary.

June 1984: Negotiated Release of Americans in Cuba

In June 1984, Jesse Jackson negotiated the release of 22 Americans being held in Cuba.

1984: Efforts to Improve Relationship with Jewish Community

According to a 1987 New York Times article, Jesse Jackson started making efforts to improve his relationship with the Jewish community after the controversies he was involved in 1984.

1984: Addressed the Democratic National Convention

In 1984, Jesse Jackson addressed the Democratic National Convention, offering an apology for comments considered derogatory to Jews and affirming his loyalty to the party. He called for unity among all groups.

1984: Request to Halt Execution

In 1984, Jesse Jackson and Coretta Scott King requested Florida governor Bob Graham to halt the execution of James Dupree Henry.

1984: Presidential Campaign

In 1984, Jesse Jackson launched his first presidential campaign, finishing in third place for the Democratic nomination behind Walter Mondale and Gary Hart.

1984: Organization of the 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: Ran for President of the United States

In the 1984 election, Jesse Jackson ran for president of the United States, his candidacy divided support among black politicians. Jackson received the support of former Mayor of Atlanta Maynard Jackson, and Mayor of Newark Kenneth A. Gibson. In December, he was endorsed by National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. chairman T. J. Jemison, and lost the endorsement of the Alabama Democratic Conference to Walter Mondale.

1984: Increase in Support

In the February 8 Iowa caucus, Jackson came in fourth place behind Gephardt, Simon, and Dukakis, though he had quadrupled his support there from his 1984 bid. In the March 8 Super Tuesday contests, Jackson won Virginia, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

January 1985: Led procession in Washington D.C.

In January 1985, Jesse Jackson led supporters in a procession through Washington to the Washington Monument, stressing the need to support the poor.

June 1986: Called for War on Drugs

In June 1986, after basketball player Len Bias died from cardiac arrest stemming from "cocaine intoxication", Jesse Jackson and Representative Charles Rangel called for Reagan to announce a nationwide war on drugs and seek increased funding of federal anti-drug education programs in public schools.

1986: Speculation of a Presidential Run

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

March 1987: Formed an exploratory committee

In March 1987, Jesse Jackson formed an exploratory committee for a potential presidential run in 1988, after Gary Hart.

April 1987: Campaigning in Iowa

In April 1987, Jesse Jackson spent six days in Iowa and moved his office to the rural part of the state, highlighting the impact of Reagan's economic policies on farmers and businessmen.

May 25, 1987: Made a Master Mason on Sight

On May 25, 1987, Jesse Jackson was made a Master Mason on Sight by Grand Master Senter of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois, thereby becoming a Prince Hall Freemason.

October 11, 1987: Announced Candidacy in 1988 Presidential Election

On October 11, 1987, Jesse Jackson announced his candidacy in the 1988 presidential election. At the time of his announcement, polling showed that 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.

1987: Involvement in Chicago Mayoral Election

During the 1987 Chicago mayoral election, Jesse Jackson led an effort to prevent the campaign's deterioration and avoid "dissension and splintering of the Democratic vote".

1987: Improving Jewish Community Relations

In 1987, Jackson began working to improve his relationship with the Jewish community following the controversy in 1984.

1987: Campaign Platform

In 1987, Jesse Jackson's campaign platform included a call for a single-payer system of universal health care; higher taxes on the wealthy and defense spending cuts intended to reduce federal budget deficits and increase education, housing, welfare, and childcare spending; ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment; reducing the supply and flow of drugs into communities.

1987: Clean Transcript Report

In 1987, the president of the University of Illinois reported that Jesse Jackson's 1960 freshman year transcript was clean.

1988: Presidential Run

By early 1986, speculation began that Jesse Jackson would mount a second presidential run in 1988. In March 1987, he formed an exploratory committee, making him the second potential candidate to do so, after Gary Hart. By April 1987, after previously having spent "all of half a day" in Iowa, Jackson had spent six days there throughout the year and moved his office to the rural part of the state instead of Des Moines. He stressed that farmers and businessmen were akin to unemployed blacks in being negatively affected by the Reagan administration's economic policies. In July, Jackson met with former Governor of Alabama George Wallace for half an hour, calling the former segregationist "one of the most forward of any governor across the South in terms of the sharing of appointments with blacks and whites and women, and the tone of the administration had changed". The meeting was seen as Jackson testing support for a presidential bid. In September, Jackson attended a presidential candidates forum; he embraced the Congressional Black Caucus's positions on education, employment, and defense, and was greeted with chants of "Run Jesse Run" and "Win Jesse Win".

1990: Joint Center Anniversary Dinner

In 1990, Jesse Jackson attended a dinner honoring the 20th anniversary of The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, where President Bush spoke and teased Jackson.

1991: Trip to Iraq

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 there as a "human shield".

August 29, 1993: Commemoration of the March on Washington

On August 29, 1993, Jesse Jackson joined gatherers at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

September 1996: Visit to Tupac Shakur in the Hospital

In September 1996, Jesse Jackson visited rapper Tupac Shakur in the hospital after he was wounded in a drive-by shooting. Jackson commented on the violent culture, which was criticized by SFGATE.

1996: Introduction to August Busch IV

In 1996, August Busch IV, Anheuser-Busch's CEO, was introduced to Yusef Jackson, Jesse's son.

1998: Yusef and Jonathan 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, leading to controversy.

March 1999: Jackson announces he will not run for president

In March 1999, Jesse Jackson announced he would not be a candidate in the 2000 presidential election, stating his intent to continue championing the causes of education and health care reform and highlighting the "ongoing shame of our nation—the explosive growth of the prison-industrial complex."

May 1999: Birth of daughter Ashley

In May 1999, Ashley, the daughter of Jesse Jackson and staffer Karin Stanford, was born.

August 1999: Rainbow Push Coalition payment to Karin Stanford

In August 1999, the Rainbow Push Coalition paid Karin Stanford $15,000 for moving expenses and $21,000 for contracting work.

March 1, 2000: Jackson endorses Al Gore for President

On March 1, 2000, Jesse Jackson endorsed Vice President Al Gore for president, citing Gore's experience as a former congressman, senator, and vice president.

2000: Support for Joe Lieberman

In 2000, Jesse Jackson spoke in support of Joe Lieberman, a Jewish U.S. senator and vice-presidential nominee, at the Democratic National Convention.

2000: Awarded Master of Divinity

In 2000, Jesse Jackson was awarded a Master of Divinity degree by Chicago Theological Seminary.

2000: Clash with Jeb Bush after the 2000 recount

In 2000, the recount was not the last time Jackson clashed with Governor of Florida Jeb Bush

January 20, 2001: Jackson requests pardons from Bill Clinton

On January 20, 2001, Bill Clinton's final day in office, Jesse Jackson had requested pardons for Congressman Mel Reynolds, John Bustamante, and Dorothy Rivers, and a pardon for his half-brother Noah Robinson who had been convicted of murdering Leroy Barber and sentenced to life imprisonment, but Clinton did not pardon Robinson.

2002: Harry Edwards Article on ESPN.com

In 2002, sociologist Harry Edwards wrote an article on ESPN.com, about Jackson's time at the University of Illinois.

September 1, 2003: Jackson Arrested at Yale University Protest

On September 1, 2003, Jesse Jackson was arrested for blocking traffic at Yale University while showing solidarity with striking workers.

2005: Jackson supports Terri Schiavo's parents

In early 2005 Jesse Jackson visited Terri Schiavo's parents and supported their unsuccessful bid to keep her alive.

March 2006: Jackson offers to pay tuition for Duke Lacrosse accuser

In March 2006, Jesse Jackson stated that his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition would pay for the rest of the college tuition of the African-American woman who accused three white members of the Duke University men's lacrosse team of raping her.

June 23, 2007: Jackson Arrested at Gun Store Protest

On June 23, 2007, Jesse Jackson was arrested in Riverdale, Chicago, for protesting at a gun store alleged to be selling firearms to gang members and contributing to community decay.

September 2008: Hospitalization for gastroenteritis

In September 2008, Jesse Jackson was hospitalized at Northwestern Memorial Hospital due to dehydration and stomach pains, and was diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis.

August 2009: Crowned Prince Côte Nana

In August 2009, Jesse Jackson was crowned Prince Côte Nana by Amon N'Douffou V, King of Krindjabo, who rules more than a million Agni tribespeople, succeeding Michael Jackson's title as High Prince of the Agni people of Côte d'Ivoire.

August 2010: Jackson Participates in Jobs, Justice and Peace March

In August 2010, Jesse Jackson participated in the "Jobs, Justice and Peace" march in Detroit, aiming to highlight the need for a focused urban policy.

2011: Obama's antipathy for Jackson

In 2011, Wayne Barrett wrote that Obama's embrace of Sharpton had "as much to do with the president's antipathy for three other black leaders—Jesse Jackson, Dr. Cornel West and Tavis Smiley—as it does with any genuine White House enthusiasm for the controversial New York preacher."

February 2012: Jackson Joins Martin's Parents in Demanding Arrest

Following the shooting of Trayvon Martin in February 2012, Jesse Jackson joined Martin's parents as they demanded the arrest of his killer, George Zimmerman, and called for repealing stand-your-ground laws to discourage "vigilante" behavior.

2012: Jackson commends Obama on gay marriage support

In 2012, Jesse Jackson commended Obama's decision to support gay marriage, comparing it to the fight against slavery and anti-miscegenation laws.

July 2013: Jackson Meets with Marissa Alexander

In July 2013, Jesse Jackson met with Marissa Alexander and called for Angela Corey to use her influence to get Alexander's 20-year sentence reduced.

January 2015: Jackson discusses gentrification at Stanford

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

January 2015: Alexander Released From Jail

In January 2015, Marissa Alexander was released from a Jacksonville jail under a plea deal that capped her sentence at the three years she had already served.

2016: Jackson Endorses Hillary Clinton After Remaining Neutral in Primary

In 2016, Jesse Jackson declined to endorse either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary but endorsed Clinton after she secured the nomination.

November 2017: Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease

In November 2017, Jesse Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

2017: Parkinson's diagnosis

In 2017, Jesse Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

June 2019: Comments on Biden's stance on school busing

In June 2019, as Joe Biden prepared to speak at Rainbow PUSH, Jesse Jackson expressed his reservations about Biden's prior support for segregated school busing, stating that he believed Biden had changed his views on the matter.

March 8, 2020: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders

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 for president in the primary. He said Sanders made several commitments to him, and it was reported that Jackson requested Sanders pick 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 praised Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer for initiating a review of police conduct and policies. He also criticized Senator Rand Paul for delaying a bill aimed at classifying lynching as 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 attended a press conference with the Floyd family. He urged people to "learn to live together as brothers and sisters and not die apart."

August 3, 2021: Arrest for protesting for voting rights

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

August 2021: Hospitalization with COVID-19

In August 2021, Jesse Jackson and his wife were hospitalized at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago after testing positive for COVID-19.

December 2021: Elected Honorary Fellow of Homerton College

In December 2021, Jesse Jackson was elected as an Honorary Fellow of Homerton College, Cambridge.

2021: Hospitalizations

In 2021, Jesse Jackson was hospitalized twice, once after testing positive for COVID-19 and again after a head injury.

July 2023: Announcement of stepping down as leader of Rainbow/PUSH

In July 2023, Jesse Jackson announced his decision to step down as the leader of Rainbow/PUSH due to his advanced age and health complications, including Parkinson's disease and previous hospitalizations in 2021.

2024: Neurodegenerative condition

Since 2024, Jesse Jackson's medical condition is reported to have been neurodegenerative.

April 2025: Diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

In April 2025, it was revealed that Jesse Jackson was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

November 12, 2025: Hospitalization in Chicago

On November 12, 2025, Jesse Jackson was hospitalized in Chicago after experiencing a high pulse and a "rattle in his chest".

November 13, 2025: Hospitalized again

On November 13, 2025, Jesse Jackson was hospitalized again at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, for a matter related to a "rare neurological disorder".

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