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 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

1908: Birth of Noah Louis Robinson

In 1908, Noah Louis Robinson, Jesse Jackson's biological father, was born.

1924: Birth of Helen Burns

In 1924, Helen Burns, Jesse Jackson's mother, was born.

October 8, 1941: Jesse Jackson Born

On October 8, 1941, Jesse Louis Jackson, né Burns, was born. He is an American civil rights activist, politician, and ordained Baptist minister.

1944: Birth of Jacqueline Lavinia Brown

In 1944, Jacqueline Lavinia Brown, who would later marry Jesse Jackson, was born.

1955: Montgomery Bus Boycott Impact

In 1955, the Montgomery bus boycott influenced Jesse Jackson to reject segregation practices.

1959: Rejection of Baseball Contract

In 1959, Jesse Jackson rejected a contract from a minor league professional baseball team to attend the University of Illinois.

July 16, 1960: Greenville Public Library Sit-in

On July 16, 1960, Jesse Jackson participated in a sit-in at the Greenville Public Library and was arrested for "disorderly conduct".

1960: University of Illinois

In 1960, sociologist Harry Edwards suggested that Jackson had left the University of Illinois because he had been placed on academic probation

December 31, 1962: Marriage to Jacqueline Lavinia Brown

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

1963: Birth of Santita Jackson

In 1963, Santita Jackson, one of Jesse Jackson's children, was born.

1964: Graduation from A&T

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

1965: Birth of Jesse Jackson Jr.

In 1965, Jesse Jackson Jr., one of Jesse Jackson's children, was born.

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: Birth of Jonathan Luther Jackson

In 1966, Jonathan Luther Jackson, one of Jesse Jackson's children, was born.

April 4, 1968: King's Assassination

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Jackson was in the parking lot one floor below and claimed to be the last person to speak to King, though this account was disputed.

1968: Ordained as a Minister

In 1968, Jesse Jackson was ordained a minister.

1970: Birth of Yusef DuBois Jackson

In 1970, Yusef DuBois Jackson, one of Jesse Jackson's children, was born.

1975: Birth of Jacqueline Lavinia Jackson

In 1975, Jacqueline Lavinia Jackson, one of Jesse Jackson's children, was born.

1978: Call for Closer Relationship with 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., for four hours.

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.

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.

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: Petition to Halt Execution

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

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.

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: 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.

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: Clean Transcript

In 1987, the University of Illinois' president reported that Jackson's 1960 freshman year transcript was clean and said he would have been eligible to re-enroll at any time.

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: 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.

1989: Criticism of Jerry Regier's Paper

In 1989, Jerry Regier co-authored a paper which listed him as co-chairman of the authoring group that endorsed spanking to the point of bruises and welts and opposed married women having careers.

1996: August Busch IV Introduced to Yusef Jackson

In 1996, August Busch IV, Anheuser-Busch's CEO was introduced to Yusef Jackson, Jesse's son, by Jackson family friend Ron Burkle.

1998: Opposition to Clinton's Impeachment

In 1998, Jesse Jackson voiced his opposition to President Clinton's impeachment following the Monica Lewinsky scandal, arguing that impeachment was too severe a punishment for Clinton's actions.

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.

May 1999: Birth of Daughter Ashley

In May 1999, Ashley, Jesse Jackson's daughter with Karin Stanford, was born.

August 1999: Rainbow Push Coalition Payments to Stanford

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

November 18, 1999: Decatur, Illinois, High School Expulsions

On November 18, 1999, after seven high school students in Decatur, Illinois were expelled for two years following a brawl at a football game, Jesse Jackson protested the expulsions arguing that they were unfair and racially biased.

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.

2000: Jackson Clashes with Jeb Bush

In 2000, Jesse Jackson clashed with Governor of Florida Jeb Bush.

2000: Awarded Master of Divinity Degree

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

2000: Southern Voters Supporting Bush

In 2000, Southern voters supported Bush.

January 2001: Affair with Karin Stanford Revealed

In January 2001, it was revealed that Jesse Jackson had an affair with a staffer, Karin Stanford, which resulted in the birth of a daughter, Ashley.

January 20, 2001: Requests for Pardons

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, which Clinton granted. Jackson also requested a pardon for his half-brother Noah Robinson, which was denied.

2002: Criticism of Regier Nomination

In 2002, Jesse Jackson joined Democrats in criticizing Jeb Bush's nomination of Jerry Regier for the Department of Children and Families, referencing Regier's 1989 paper.

2002: Remarks on Democracy and Lawsuit Allegations

In 2002, Jesse Jackson stated there was a "new America" abandoning Jeffersonian democracy for "King democracy". Also, African Americans Against Exploitation Inc. filed suit against Jackson, alleging misrepresentation, to which Jackson responded it was a nuisance lawsuit. Jackson was also a target of a white supremacist terror plot that year.

2002: Harry Edwards' Article on ESPN.com

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

September 1, 2003: Arrest at Yale University Protest

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

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.

June 2004: Rebuke of Bush's Voting Roll Purge Request

In June 2004, Jesse Jackson rebuked Jeb Bush for requesting counties to purge felons from voting rolls, calling it a tactic to deny the right to vote based on race. Bush called Jackson's comments "outrageous."

2005: FEC Fine for Electoral Law Violation

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

2005: Support for Terri Schiavo's Parents

In early 2005, Jesse Jackson visited Terri Schiavo's parents and supported their bid to keep her alive, aligning with Jeb Bush on this issue.

March 2006: Response to Duke Lacrosse Case

In March 2006, following allegations against members of the Duke University men's lacrosse team, Jesse Jackson stated that his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition would pay for the accuser's college tuition, regardless of the case's outcome.

November 2006: Role in Michael Richards Scandal

In November 2006, Jesse Jackson played a key role in the scandal caused by Michael Richards's racist tirade, accepting Richards' apology and advocating for the elimination of the "N-word" in the entertainment industry.

March 2007: Support for Barack Obama

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

June 23, 2007: Arrest at Gun Store Protest

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

July 6, 2008: Controversial Remarks About Obama

On July 6, 2008, Jesse Jackson was caught on microphone making disparaging remarks about Barack Obama, expressing disappointment in Obama's Father's Day speech. He later apologized and reiterated his support.

September 2008: Hospitalized with Viral Gastroenteritis

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

November 2009: Criticism of Health Care Bill Opponents

In November 2009, Jesse Jackson criticized black individuals voting against Obama's health care bill, which was interpreted as a dig at Representative Artur Davis.

August 2010: "Jobs, Justice and Peace" March in Detroit

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

2011: Obama's Preference for Sharpton

In 2011, Wayne Barrett wrote that Obama's embrace of Sharpton was influenced by the president's "antipathy" for Jesse Jackson, Dr. Cornel West, and Tavis Smiley.

February 2012: Involvement in Trayvon Martin Case

In February 2012, following the shooting of Trayvon Martin, Jesse Jackson joined Martin's parents in demanding the arrest of George Zimmerman and called for repealing stand-your-ground laws.

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.

July 2013: Advocacy for Marissa Alexander

In July 2013, Jesse Jackson met with Marissa Alexander and called for a reduction in her 20-year sentence, contrasting it with George Zimmerman's acquittal.

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.

November 2017: Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

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

2017: Jackson Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

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

February 2019: Jackson Responds to Jussie Smollett Incident

In February 2019, Jesse Jackson responded to the reported hate crime against Jussie Smollett, calling it a "barbaric lynching." After Smollett was charged with falsifying the attack, Jackson requested leniency for him.

August 3, 2021: Jackson Arrested During Voting Rights Protest

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

August 2021: Hospitalized with COVID-19

In August 2021, Jesse Jackson and his wife were hospitalized with COVID-19 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He was later transferred to a rehabilitation facility.

2021: Jackson Hospitalized Twice

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

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.

2024: Neurodegenerative Condition Reported

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

April 2025: Jackson Diagnosed with PSP

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

November 12, 2025: Hospitalized with High Pulse

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 for Rare Neurological Disorder and PSP Diagnosis Revealed

On November 13, 2025, Jesse Jackson was hospitalized for matters related to a "rare neurological disorder". The same day, it was revealed that Jackson had been diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in April 2025.

November 16, 2025: Jackson Remains Hospitalized

As of November 16, 2025, Jesse Jackson remained hospitalized, though he was by now no longer receiving medication to raise his blood pressure, which is also considered to be a form of life support. He was said to be in stable condition and breathing on his own.

November 17, 2025: Jackson Successfully Transported Out of ICU

On November 17, 2025, Jesse Jackson was successfully transported out of Northwestern Memorial Hospital's intensive care unit, where had been staying after being hospitalized.