Full History Of Jesse Jackson In Timeline From 1941

October 8, 1941: Birth of Jesse Jackson

On October 8, 1941, Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. was born in Greenville, South Carolina. He later became a prominent civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister.

1955: Montgomery Bus Boycott

In 1955, the Montgomery bus boycott influenced Jesse Jackson, leading him to question segregation practices he had previously accepted.

1959: Rejection of Baseball Contract

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

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.

1960: Departure from University of Illinois

In 1960, Jesse Jackson left the University of Illinois. It was later suggested that he was placed on academic probation, though the university president later reported his transcript was clean.

December 31, 1962: Marriage to Jacqueline Lavinia Brown

On December 31, 1962, Jesse Jackson married Jacqueline Lavinia Brown. Together, they had five children.

1964: Graduation from A&T

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

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: Leaving Chicago Theological Seminary

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

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.

April 4, 1968: King's Assassination

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Jesse Jackson was present and claimed to be the last person to speak to King, though this account was disputed.

1968: Ordained as Minister

In 1968, Jesse Jackson was ordained as a minister.

1969: Al Sharpton Appointed Youth Director

In 1969, Al Sharpton, whom Jesse Jackson mentored, was appointed youth director of Operation Breadbasket's Brooklyn branch.

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.

1969: Viewed as King's Successor

In 1969, The New York Times reported that several black leaders viewed Jesse Jackson as Martin Luther King Jr.'s successor.

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.

1971: Ebony Magazine's "100 most influential black Americans"

In 1971, Jesse Jackson was named by Ebony Magazine to its list of "100 most influential black Americans,", recognizing his influence and impact.

1973: Jackson's Position on Abortion

In 1973, less than a month after Roe v. Wade, Jesse Jackson began a PUSH campaign against the decision, calling abortion murder. Jackson's rhetoric alienated one of his major supporters, T. R. M. Howard.

1975: Endorsement of Constitutional Amendment Banning Abortion

In 1975, Jesse Jackson endorsed a plan for a constitutional amendment banning abortion.

1977: Jackson on Roe v. Wade

In 1977, Jesse Jackson argued in a National Right to Life Committee News report that the basis for Roe v. Wade had also been used to justify slavery. He decried the casual taking of life and the decline in society's values.

1978: Call for Closer Ties 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., and expressed his belief that Ray was involved but did not act alone.

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.

1980: Georgia, Alabama, and Florida primaries voter turnout increase.

In 1980, voter turnout increased in the Georgia, Alabama, and Florida primaries by 69 percent as a result of registration drives targeted at black voters.

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: Request to Halt Execution

In 1984, Jesse Jackson and Coretta Scott King sent letters to Florida governor Bob Graham asking him to halt the scheduled execution of James Dupree Henry. The request was ultimately unsuccessful.

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: Controversy over remarks about Jewish community

In 1984, Jesse Jackson faced criticism after making disparaging remarks about the Jewish community.

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.

May 25, 1987: Made a Master Mason

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, becoming a Prince Hall Freemason.

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: Efforts to improve relationship with the Jewish community

According to a 1987 article in The New York Times, Jesse Jackson began attempting to improve his relationship with the Jewish community after the controversy in 1984.

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: University President's Report

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

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: Jackson's Changed Stance on Abortion

In 1988, Jesse Jackson changed his views on abortion, supporting federal funding for abortion and arguing for freedom of choice.

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: NAACP President's Award

In 1988, Jesse Jackson was awarded the NAACP President's Award.

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.

1989: Paper Endorsing Spanking

In 1989, a paper was published that endorsed spanking to the point of bruises and welts and opposed married women having careers. Jesse Jackson criticized Jeb Bush's nomination of Jerry Regier for his affiliation with this paper.

1990: Dinner Honoring The Joint Center

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

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.

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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.

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August 29, 1993: Commemoration of the March on Washington

On August 29, 1993, Jesse Jackson joined a gathering at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, walking arm-in-arm with United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros and United States Attorney General Janet Reno.

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".

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 and survival of the fittest mentality. SFGATE criticized his remarks.

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.

1998: Response to Clinton's impeachment

In 1998, during Clinton's impeachment inquiry, Jesse Jackson opposed Clinton's removal from office, stating that "the punishment of impeachment does not correspond to the nature of Mr. Clinton's lack of candor." He led a prayer vigil outside the U.S. Capitol to protest the impeachment.

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.

1999: Order of the Palmetto

In 1999, Jesse Jackson received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, from Governor Jim Hodges.

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.

March 2000: Criticized Giuliani's handling of Dorismond shooting

In March 2000, Jesse Jackson criticized Rudy Giuliani's handling of the Patrick Dorismond shooting, stating there was "something that is not well about his response to unarmed people being shot by police."

2000: The 2000 Recount

During the 2000 recount Jackson clashed with the Governor of Florida Jeb Bush.

2000: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2000, Bill Clinton awarded Jesse Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest honor bestowed on civilians.

2000: Campaign violation

In 2000, Jackson and the Democratic National Committee violated electoral law.

2000: Master of Divinity Degree Awarded

In 2000, Jesse Jackson was awarded a Master of Divinity degree by Chicago Theological Seminary, based on his previously earned credits and subsequent work and life experience.

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.

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January 2001: Affair 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 in May 1999. Jackson withdrew from activism for a short period due to this.

January 20, 2001: Requested pardons from Clinton

On January 20, 2001, Bill Clinton's final day in office, Clinton pardoned Congressman Mel Reynolds, John Bustamante, and Dorothy Rivers, at Jesse Jackson's request. Clinton did not pardon Jackson's half-brother, Noah Robinson.

2001: Chicago Tribune Story

In 2001, the Chicago Tribune noted the moves related to the Anheuser-Busch boycott in a front-page story.

2002: Criticized Jeb Bush's nominee for the Department of Children and Families

In 2002, Jesse Jackson criticized Jeb Bush's nomination of Jerry Regier for the Department of Children and Families, referencing a 1989 paper endorsing spanking and opposing married women having careers.

2002: New America

In 2002, Jesse Jackson said there was "a new America" and the world was abandoning the Jeffersonian democracy. He was also targeted by a white supremacist terror plot.

2002: Inclusion in "100 Greatest African Americans"

In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante included Jesse Jackson on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans.

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, noting the challenges black athletes faced at predominantly white colleges during the 1950s and 1960s.

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.

September 1, 2003: Arrested at Yale University protest

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

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.

June 2004: Rebuked Jeb Bush for felon voting roll purge

In June 2004, Jesse Jackson rebuked Jeb Bush for requesting counties to purge felons from voting rolls, calling it a tactic to deny voting rights based on race and class. Bush responded that Jackson was "past his prime."

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: FEC Ruling and Fine

In 2005, the Federal Election Commission ruled that Jesse Jackson and the Democratic National Committee had violated electoral law in 2000 and fined them $200,000.

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.

2005: Supported Terri Schiavo's parents

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

February 2006: "Most Important Black Leader" Vote

In February 2006, Jesse Jackson was voted "the most important black leader" in an AP-AOL "Black Voices" poll.

March 2006: Duke Lacrosse Case

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

November 2006: Role in Michael Richards's scandal

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

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.

June 23, 2007: Arrested at gun store protest in Riverdale

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

July 6, 2008: Controversial comments about Obama

On July 6, 2008, Jesse Jackson was caught on microphone making controversial comments about Barack Obama's remarks to black people, later apologizing and reiterating his support.

September 2008: Hospitalized with viral gastroenteritis

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

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: Honorary Fellowship from Edge Hill University

In 2008, Jesse Jackson was presented with an Honorary Fellowship from Edge Hill University, recognizing his contributions and achievements.

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.

November 2009: Comments on Obama's health care reform proposal

In November 2009, Jesse Jackson commented on Obama's health care reform proposal, suggesting that black individuals voting against it could not call themselves black.

2009: Title of High Prince of the Agni people of Côte d'Ivoire

In 2009, Jesse Jackson inherited the title of High Prince of the Agni people of Côte d'Ivoire from Michael Jackson and was also crowned Prince Côte Nana.

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.

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. The event was criticized as a campaign rally for the Democratic Party.

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: Alabama gubernatorial election

In 2010, Jackson's criticism could benefit Davis, who was then a candidate in the 2010 Alabama gubernatorial election and positioning himself as a moderate Democrat. Davis lost the Democratic primary to Ron Sparks.

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.

2011: Antipathy for black leaders

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: Demanded Arrest in Trayvon Martin Case

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

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.

January 2015: Marissa Alexander Released from Jail

In January 2015, Marissa Alexander was released from jail in Jacksonville, Florida, following a plea deal. The deal changed her sentence to three years, which she had already served.

2015: Honorary Degree from the University of Edinburgh

In 2015, Jesse Jackson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Edinburgh, recognizing his decades of campaigning for civil rights.

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.

November 2017: Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease

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

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.

February 2019: Reaction to Jussie Smollett assault report

In February 2019, following the report of an assault on Jussie Smollett, Jesse Jackson initially described the attack as a "barbaric lynching" and criticized Trump for emboldening bigots. Later, after Smollett was charged with falsifying the attack, Jackson requested leniency for Smollett.

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.

2019: Comments on Ilhan Omar and Venezuelan Embassy Visit

In 2019, Jesse Jackson warned that Trump's false claims against Ilhan Omar could incite violence. Jackson also requested Trump to pardon Rod Blagojevich. Additionally, Jackson delivered food to activists occupying the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, D.C. during the Venezuelan presidential crisis.

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.

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 moved to a rehabilitation facility.

October 2021: Greg Mathis describes Jackson as "my most impactful mentor"

In October 2021, television judge Greg Mathis described Jesse Jackson as his "most impactful mentor," stating Jackson encouraged him to pursue education and activism.

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.

June 2022: Overruling of Roe v. Wade

In June 2022, the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson.

2022: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Benedict College

In 2022, Jesse Jackson received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Benedict College.

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.

May 2024: Comments on the Gaza War

In May 2024, Jesse Jackson wrote in The Chicago Maroon about the Gaza war, condemning the October 7 attacks, but describing Israel's actions as a "massacre" of Palestinian civilians. He also supported pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses.

April 2025: Diagnosis change to progressive supranuclear palsy

In April 2025, Jesse Jackson's diagnosis was changed to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative condition.

February 2026: Revelation of Friendship with Clinton

In February 2026, it was revealed that Jesse Jackson and Bill Clinton had been friends since they first met in Little Rock, Arkansas during the 20th anniversary celebration of the integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1977.

February 17, 2026: Death of Jesse Jackson

On February 17, 2026, Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. died. He was an American civil rights activist, LGBTQ rights activist, politician, and ordained Baptist minister.

February 28, 2026: Tribute at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards

On February 28, 2026, at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson paid tribute to Jesse Jackson, which was televised on CBS and BET. Samuel L. Jackson honored Jackson's messages while Jackson's family was present.

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March 6, 2026: Denial of antisemitism at memorial service

During his House of Hope memorial service on March 6, 2026, Rabbi Steven Jacobs addressed the controversy of antisemitism, vehemently denying that Jesse Jackson was an antisemite.