History of Jesse Jackson in Timeline
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.
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's Birth
On October 8, 1941, Jesse Louis Jackson, was born in Greenville, South Carolina.
1944: Jacqueline Lavinia Brown's birth year
Jacqueline Lavinia Brown was born in 1944.
1955: Influence of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
In 1955, the Montgomery bus boycott influenced Jesse Jackson, who had accepted Jim Crow segregation laws until then.
1959: Rejection of Baseball Contract
In 1959, Jesse Jackson graduated from high school, rejected a contract from a minor league professional baseball team, and instead attended the University of Illinois on a football scholarship.
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.
1960: Leaving the University of Illinois
In 1960, Jesse Jackson left the University of Illinois and transferred to North Carolina A&T.
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, the first child of Jesse and Jacqueline Jackson, 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., the second child of Jesse and Jacqueline Jackson, was born.
1965: Participation in Selma to Montgomery Marches
In 1965, Jesse Jackson participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches and was given a role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) by Martin Luther King Jr.
1966: Dropping out of Chicago Theological Seminary
In 1966, Jesse Jackson dropped out of the Chicago Theological Seminary to focus on the civil rights movement.
1966: Head of Chicago Branch of Operation Breadbasket
In 1966, Jesse Jackson was selected to head the Chicago branch of the SCLC's economic arm, Operation Breadbasket.
1966: Birth of Jonathan Luther Jackson
In 1966, Jonathan Luther Jackson, the third child of Jesse and Jacqueline Jackson, was born.
1967: Promotion to National Director
In 1967, Jesse Jackson was promoted to national director of Operation Breadbasket.
April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assassination
On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Jesse Jackson was present and gave conflicting accounts of the event.
1968: Ordained as Minister
In 1968, Jesse Jackson was ordained as a Baptist minister.
1969: Viewed as King's Successor
In 1969, Jesse Jackson was viewed by several black leaders as Martin Luther King Jr.'s successor.
1970: Birth of Yusef DuBois Jackson
In 1970, Yusef DuBois Jackson, the fourth child of Jesse and Jacqueline Jackson, was born.
October 1971: Black Expo in Chicago
In October 1971, Jesse Jackson organized the Black Expo in Chicago 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 as leader of Operation Breadbasket.
December 25, 1971: Official Start of Operation PUSH
On December 25, 1971, People United to Save Humanity (Operation PUSH) officially began operations.
1971: Named to Ebony Magazine's List
In 1971, Ebony Magazine named Jesse Jackson to its list of the "100 most influential black Americans".
1973: PUSH Campaign Against Roe v. Wade
In 1973, less than a month after the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade, Jesse Jackson began a PUSH campaign against the decision, calling abortion murder and suggesting that Jesus and Moses might not have been born if abortion had been available.
1975: Birth of Jacqueline Lavinia Jackson
In 1975, Jacqueline Lavinia Jackson, the fifth child of Jesse and Jacqueline Jackson, was born.
1975: Endorsement of Abortion Ban Amendment
In 1975, Jesse Jackson endorsed a plan for a constitutional amendment banning abortion.
1977: Arguments Against Roe v. Wade
In 1977, Jesse Jackson argued in a National Right to Life Committee News report that the basis for Roe v. Wade—the right to privacy—had also been used to justify slavery.
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., and expressed his belief that Ray was involved but did not act alone.
1979: Jefferson Award
In 1979, Jesse Jackson received the Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged.
1980: Voter Turnout Increase
In 1980, massive registration drives targeted at black voters led to a 69 percent increase in voter turnout from 1980 in Georgia and Alabama.
May 1983: Jackson Addresses Alabama Legislature
In May 1983, Jesse Jackson became the first African-American man since Reconstruction to address a joint session of the Alabama Legislature, where he advocated for unity beyond racial lines. This event was seen as a test for a potential presidential candidacy.
November 3, 1983: Jackson Announces 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.
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.
1983: Jackson Travels to Syria to Secure Release of American Pilot
In 1983, Jesse Jackson traveled to Syria and made a personal appeal to Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, securing the release of captured American pilot Navy Lt. Robert Goodman. Goodman had been shot down over Lebanon while on a mission to bomb Syrian positions.
January 4, 1984: Reagan Welcomes Jackson and Goodman to White House
On January 4, 1984, after Jesse Jackson secured the release of Navy Lt. Robert Goodman from Syria, President Reagan welcomed both Jackson and Goodman to the White House. This event boosted Jackson's popularity and served as a springboard for his 1984 presidential run.
March 1984: Jackson Gains Support in Primaries
In March 1984, a Washington Post-ABC News poll found Jackson in third place with 20 percent support in the Democratic primary race. Jackson's success in early primaries unified and raised expectations of black voters, drawing thousands of black Americans into the political process.
June 1984: Jackson Negotiates Release of Americans in Cuba
In June 1984, Jesse Jackson successfully negotiated the release of 22 Americans who were being held in Cuba, after receiving an invitation from Cuban President Fidel Castro.
1984: Jackson Attempts to Improve Relationship with Jewish Community
According to a 1987 New York Times article, it was after 1984 that Jesse Jackson began attempting to improve his relationship with the Jewish community.
1984: Jackson Addresses Democratic National Convention
In 1984, Jesse Jackson addressed the Democratic National Convention, offering an apology alluding to his comments considered derogatory to Jews and affirming his loyalty to the party in the general election.
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: Presidential Campaign
In 1984, Jesse Jackson launched his first presidential campaign, finishing third for the Democratic nomination.
1984: Formation of Rainbow Coalition
In 1984, Jesse Jackson organized the Rainbow Coalition and resigned as president of Operation PUSH.
1984: Quadrupling Support in Iowa
In 1984, Jesse Jackson quadrupled his support in the Iowa caucus compared to his previous bid.
1984: Controversy Over Remarks About Jews
In 1984, Jesse Jackson was criticized for using pejorative terms for Jews in private remarks to a reporter, assuming they would not be published. The situation was worsened by Louis Farrakhan's warning to anyone who would harm Jackson. Jackson later apologized for the remarks but did not denounce Farrakhan's warning.
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.
1984: Better Financed and Organized
In 1984, Jesse Jackson's past successes made him a more credible candidate, and he was both better financed and better organized than in his previous presidential run.
1984: Better Showing Among Wisconsin White Voters
In 1984, Jesse Jackson's showing among white voters in Wisconsin was significantly better compared to his earlier run, but still lower than pre-primary polling.
1984: 25th Anniversary of Presidential Campaign
In November 2009, the Congressional Black Caucus honored Jackson for the 25th anniversary of his 1984 presidential campaign.
January 1985: Jackson Leads Procession in Washington
In January 1985, concurrent with Ronald Reagan's second inauguration, Jesse Jackson led several hundred supporters in a procession through downtown Washington to the grounds of Washington Monument. He stressed the need to support those who have "fallen through the safety net".
June 1986: Jackson Addresses Ethical Collapse and War on Drugs
In June 1986, Jesse Jackson delivered a commencement speech at Medgar Evers College, lamenting the ethical collapse and spiritual withdrawal among young people. Later that month, following Len Bias's death, Jackson and Representative Charles Rangel called for Reagan to announce a nationwide war on drugs.
1986: Speculation of Second Presidential Run
By early 1986, speculation began that Jackson would mount a second presidential run in 1988.
March 1987: Jackson Forms Exploratory Committee for Presidential Run
In March 1987, Jesse Jackson formed an exploratory committee, signaling a potential second presidential run in 1988.
April 1987: Jackson Focuses on Iowa for Presidential Campaign
In April 1987, Jesse Jackson spent six days in Iowa and moved his office to the rural part of the state, emphasizing the economic challenges faced by farmers and businessmen under the Reagan administration.
October 11, 1987: Jackson Announces 1988 Presidential Candidacy
On October 11, 1987, Jesse Jackson announced his candidacy in the 1988 presidential election, leading in polls in nine of the 12 Southern states.
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.
1987: Jackson's Role in Chicago Mayoral Election
During the 1987 Chicago mayoral election, Jesse Jackson led an effort to prevent the campaign's deterioration and avoid dissension within the Democratic party regarding Harold Washington's reelection.
1987: Description as Successful Black Leader
In 1987, Donald Rheem described Jesse Jackson as "one of the most successful black leaders in American history," highlighting his public service, voter registration efforts, inner-city economic development, and moral messaging.
1987: Jackson improves relationship with Jewish community
In 1987, Jesse Jackson began attempting to improve his relationship with the Jewish community, after facing criticism in previous years.
1987: Jackson's Campaign Platform
In 1987, Jesse Jackson's campaign platform included proposals for universal health care, higher taxes on the wealthy, defense spending cuts, and a constructive partnership with the Soviet Union. The New York Times characterized Jackson as a classic liberal.
1987: Operation 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.
1987: University President's Statement on Jackson's Records
In 1987, the president of the University of Illinois stated that Jesse Jackson's 1960 freshman year transcript was clean, contradicting claims that he left due to academic probation.
1988: Speculation of Second Presidential Run
By early 1986, speculation began that Jackson would mount a second presidential run in 1988.
1988: Jackson Runs for President
In 1988 Jesse Jackson 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: "Year of Jackson"
In 1988, Jackson exceeded expectations, more than doubling his previous results, leading R.W. Apple of The New York Times to call it "the Year of Jackson".
1988: Second Presidential Bid
In 1988, Jesse Jackson made a second bid for the presidency, finishing as runner-up to Michael Dukakis.
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: Decision Not to Run for Mayor
In 1988, after the arrest of Marion Barry, Jackson declined to run for Mayor of the District of Columbia.
1988: NAACP President's Award
In 1988, the NAACP awarded Jesse Jackson its President's Award.
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.
1989: Regier Endorses Spanking
In 1989, Jerry Regier co-chaired a group that endorsed spanking to the point of bruises and welts and opposed married women having careers. This was brought up by Jackson during Regier's 2002 nomination for the Department of Children and Families, drawing criticism.
1990: Election to the United States Senate
In 1990, Jesse Jackson was elected to the United States Senate for the District of Columbia.
1990: Bush Teases Jackson at Dinner
In 1990, at a dinner honoring The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, George H.W. Bush teased Jesse Jackson about becoming president, joking about his visit with children in ghettos.
November 1991: Decision Not to Enter 1992 Primaries
In November 1991, Jesse Jackson announced he would not enter the 1992 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
1991: Shadow Senator Run
In 1991, Jesse Jackson ran for office as "shadow senator" for the District of Columbia when the position was created.
1991: James Madison Award
In 1991, Jesse Jackson received the American Whig-Cliosophic Society's James Madison Award for Distinguished Public Service.
1991: Shadow Delegate for the District of Columbia
In 1991, Jesse Jackson served as a shadow delegate for the District of Columbia.
1991: Jackson Secures Release of Foreign Nationals in 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 as a "human shield," successfully securing the release of several British and 20 American individuals.
April 26, 1992: Meeting with Bill Clinton
On April 26, 1992, Jesse Jackson and Bill Clinton met in Clinton's hotel suite and announced their commitment to defeating George Bush in the general election.
1992: Hosting 'Both Sides with Jesse Jackson' on CNN
In 1992, Jesse Jackson began hosting "Both Sides with Jesse Jackson" on CNN.
August 29, 1993: March on Washington Anniversary
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 September 1996, Jesse Jackson visited rapper Tupac Shakur in the hospital after he was wounded in a drive-by shooting.
1996: Introduction of August Busch IV and Yusef Jackson
In 1996, August Busch IV was introduced to Yusef Jackson, Jesse's son, by Ron Burkle.
1996: Clinton's Concern Over Jackson Primary Challenge
In 1996, according to journalist Peter Beinart, Bill Clinton was "petrified about a primary challenge from" Jackson in the election.
1996: Merger of Operation PUSH and Rainbow Coalition
In 1996, the Operation PUSH and Rainbow Coalition organizations were merged.
1997: Backing Al Sharpton for Mayor
In 1997, Jesse Jackson backed Al Sharpton in his bid for mayor of New York City.
1997: End of Shadow Senator Role
In 1997, Jesse Jackson did not run for reelection as "shadow senator" for the District of Columbia, ending his service in the unpaid position.
1997: Jackson Promotes Free Elections in Kenya
In 1997, Jesse Jackson traveled to Kenya to meet with Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi as United States President Bill Clinton's special envoy for democracy to promote free and fair elections.
1997: End of term as Shadow Delegate
In 1997, Jesse Jackson's term as shadow delegate for the District of Columbia ended.
1997: Death of Noah Louis Robinson
In 1997, Noah Louis Robinson, Jesse Jackson's biological father, passed away.
1998: Yusef and Jonathan Jackson 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, which led to controversy.
1998: Opposition to Clinton's Impeachment
In 1998, during Bill Clinton's impeachment inquiry, Jesse Jackson explained his opposition to Clinton's removal from office.
March 1999: Jackson Foregoes Presidential Run
In March 1999, Jesse Jackson announced he would not be a candidate in the 2000 presidential election. He cited his intent to focus on education, health care reform, and addressing the "explosive growth of the prison-industrial complex."
April 1999: Jackson Negotiates Release of U.S. POWs in Yugoslavia
In April 1999, during the Kosovo War, Jesse Jackson traveled to Belgrade and negotiated the release of three U.S. POWs captured on the Macedonian border. He met with then-Yugoslav president Slobodan Milošević, who agreed to release the men.
May 1999: Birth of Daughter Ashley
In May 1999, Jesse Jackson had a daughter named Ashley with Karin Stanford.
August 1999: Payments to Karin 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: 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.
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.
March 1, 2000: Jackson Endorses Al Gore
On March 1, 2000, Jesse Jackson endorsed Vice President Al Gore for president, praising Gore's extensive experience and accomplishments. Jackson stated that Gore brought invaluable accomplishments as a former congressman, senator and vice president. Jackson also addressed the 2000 Democratic National Convention.
March 2000: Criticism of Giuliani
In March 2000, Jesse Jackson criticized Rudy Giuliani's handling of the Patrick Dorismond shooting.
August 2000: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In August 2000, Jesse Jackson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Bill Clinton, the nation's highest honor for civilians.
2000: Awarded Master of Divinity Degree
In 2000, Jesse Jackson was awarded a Master of Divinity degree by Chicago Theological Seminary, based on prior credits and life experience.
2000: Jackson Speaks at Democratic National Convention
In 2000, Jesse Jackson was invited to speak in support of Jewish Senator and Vice Presidential candidate 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 its run on CNN.
2000: The 2000 Recount
In 2000, the recount was not the last time Jackson clashed with Governor of Florida Jeb Bush
2000: Jackson Calls for Southern Voters to Turn Away from Bush
In February 2004, Jesse Jackson delivered an address at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he called for Southern voters to turn away from the fears and despair that led to their support of Bush in 2000.
January 20, 2001: Jackson Requests Pardons from 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, which Clinton granted. Jackson had also requested a pardon for his half-brother Noah Robinson who had been convicted of murdering Leroy Barber, but Clinton denied this request because Robinson had already submitted three pardon appeals that the Justice Department had denied.
2001: Revelation of Affair and Child Support
In 2001, Jesse Jackson's affair with Karin Stanford and the birth of their daughter Ashley became public, leading to a temporary withdrawal from activism. Jackson was paying $4,000 a month in child support as of 2001.
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 Criticizes Bush's Nomination
In 2002, Jesse Jackson criticized Florida Governor Jeb Bush's nomination of Jerry Regier for the Department of Children and Families, citing Regier's endorsement of spanking in a 1989 paper. Jackson linked Regier's views to Bush's ideology.
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.
2002: Inclusion on List of 100 Greatest African Americans
In 2002, Jesse Jackson was included by scholar Molefi Kete Asante on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans.
February 15, 2003: Jackson Speaks at Anti-War Demonstration in London
On February 15, 2003, Jesse Jackson spoke in front of an estimated one million people in Hyde Park, London, at the culmination of the anti-war demonstration against the imminent invasion of Iraq by the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
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.
February 2004: Jackson Addresses Kennedy School, Campaigns for Kerry
In February 2004, Jesse Jackson delivered an address at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Jackson called for Southern voters to turn away from Bush in 2000, and he highlighted John Kerry's wartime credentials, campaigning for him in battleground states. Kerry would eventually lose to Bush. Jackson also addressed the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
June 2004: Jackson Rebukes Bush on Voter Purge
In June 2004, Jesse Jackson criticized Florida Governor 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 by calling Jackson's comments outrageous and said the civil rights leader was past his prime.
November 2004: Jackson Encourages Peace in Northern Ireland
In November 2004, Jesse Jackson visited senior politicians and community activists in Northern Ireland in an effort to encourage better cross-community relations, rebuild the peace process, and restore the governmental institutions of the Belfast Agreement.
August 2005: Jackson Meets with Hugo Chávez in Venezuela
In August 2005, Jesse Jackson traveled to Venezuela to meet with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez after controversial remarks by televangelist Pat Robertson about assassinating Chávez. Jackson condemned Robertson's remarks and stated there was no evidence that Venezuela posed a threat to the U.S.
2005: Jackson Participates in UK's Operation Black Vote
In 2005, Jesse Jackson was enlisted as part of the United Kingdom's Operation Black Vote, a campaign led by Simon Woolley to encourage more of Britain's ethnic minorities to vote in political elections ahead of the 2005 General Election.
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.
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. This aligned with Governor Jeb Bush's stance, marking a rare instance of agreement between Jackson and Bush.
February 2006: Voted 'Most Important Black Leader'
In February 2006, Jesse Jackson was voted "the most important black leader" in an AP-AOL "Black Voices" poll.
March 2006: Jackson Offers Tuition Support in Duke Lacrosse Case
In March 2006, Jesse Jackson stated that his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition would pay for the college tuition of the accuser in the Duke University lacrosse case, regardless of the case's outcome. The case was later dismissed, and the players were declared innocent.
November 2006: Jackson Responds to Michael Richards' Racist Tirade
In November 2006, Jesse Jackson played a key role in addressing the controversy caused by Michael Richards's racist tirade at the Laugh Factory. Richards apologized to Jackson, who accepted the apology and met with him publicly. Jackson also joined Black leaders in calling for the elimination of the "N-word" in the entertainment industry.
March 2007: Jackson Supports Obama, Later Criticizes Him
In March 2007, Jesse Jackson declared his support for Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries. However, later in 2007, he criticized Obama for "acting like he's white" in response to the Jena 6 beating case.
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.
July 6, 2008: Jackson's "Cut His Nuts Off" Comment
On July 6, 2008, during an interview with Fox News, Jesse Jackson was caught on microphone saying he wanted to "cut Barack's nuts off" due to Obama's comments on Black fathers. Jackson later apologized and reiterated his support for Obama. He attended Obama's victory rally in Chicago.
September 2008: Hospitalization for Viral Gastroenteritis
In September 2008, Jesse Jackson was hospitalized at Northwestern Memorial Hospital due to dehydration and stomach pains, with doctors diagnosing viral gastroenteritis.
2008: Honorary Fellowship from Edge Hill University
In 2008, Jesse Jackson was presented with an Honorary Fellowship from Edge Hill University.
2008: Increased Black Voter Turnout
In 2008, Jesse Jackson's 1980s presidential campaigns were credited with increasing black voter turnout and paving the way for Barack Obama's successful 2008 campaign.
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 over a million Agni tribespeople.
November 2009: Congressional Black Caucus Honors Jackson
In November 2009, the Congressional Black Caucus honored Jesse Jackson for the 25th anniversary of his 1984 presidential campaign. He criticized black people voting against the health care bill, which was interpreted as a dig at Representative Artur Davis.
2009: Jackson Speaks 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: Jackson Participates in Detroit "Jobs, Justice and Peace" March
In August 2010, Jesse Jackson participated in the "Jobs, Justice and Peace" march in Detroit. He stated the march aimed to highlight Detroit's need for a focused urban policy for Obama and other leaders. Shannon Jones criticized the march as a Democratic Party rally supporting wage cuts and military violence.
2010: Davis lost the Democratic primary
In November 2009, the Congressional Black Caucus honored Jackson for the 25th anniversary of his 1984 presidential campaign. Davis lost the Democratic primary to Ron Sparks in 2010.
2011: Obama's Antipathy for Jackson
In 2011, Wayne Barrett suggested that Barack Obama's embrace of Al Sharpton was influenced by his antipathy towards Jesse Jackson, Dr. Cornel West, and Tavis Smiley.
February 2012: Jackson Demands Arrest 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 the repeal of stand-your-ground laws. After Zimmerman's acquittal, Jackson refused to accept it and called for civil rights charges. The Justice Department, however, did not find sufficient evidence of civil rights violations.
2012: Jackson Commends Obama's Support for Gay Marriage
In 2012, Jesse Jackson praised Barack Obama's decision to support gay marriage. He equated the fight for marriage equality with the struggles against slavery and anti-miscegenation laws. Jackson also advocated for federal legislation to extend marriage rights to gay people.
July 2013: Jackson Advocates for Marissa Alexander
In July 2013, Jesse Jackson met with Marissa Alexander and called for Angela Corey to reduce Alexander's 20-year sentence. He contrasted her sentence with George Zimmerman's acquittal in the Trayvon Martin case.
2013: Jackson Attends Hugo Chávez's Funeral
In 2013, Jesse Jackson attended the funeral of Hugo Chávez. Jackson told Wolf Blitzer that "democracies mature" and incorrectly stated that the first 15 U.S. presidents owned slaves, adding that the U.S. had come "a mighty long way" since then.
January 2015: Jackson Calls to Combat Gentrification
In January 2015, Jesse Jackson participated in a panel discussion at Stanford University, where he urged Palo Alto residents to combat gentrification, even if it required marching to company headquarters in Silicon Valley. He also met with Silicon Valley leaders.
January 2015: Marissa Alexander Released
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.
2015: Death of Helen Burns
In 2015, Helen Burns, Jesse Jackson's mother, passed away.
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, in recognition of decades of campaigning for civil rights.
2016: Jackson Endorses Hillary Clinton after Initially Declining
In 2016, Jesse Jackson initially declined to endorse either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders but endorsed Clinton after she secured the Democratic nomination. He criticized Donald Trump's past involvement in the birther movement and urged voters to support Clinton over Trump, citing concerns about the Affordable Care Act and Supreme Court appointments.
November 2017: Diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease
In November 2017, Jesse Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
2017: Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
In 2017, Jesse Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
January 2018: Accusation of Trump's Misleading Nature
In January 2018, Jesse Jackson delivered a sermon in Fort Washington, Maryland, where he accused Donald Trump of being misleading and criticized him as a "man of inherited wealth and privilege" lacking understanding of others' situations.
February 2019: Condemnation of Jussie Smollett Attack and Trump's Rhetoric
In February 2019, Jesse Jackson condemned the reported attack on Jussie Smollett as a "barbaric lynching" and criticized Donald Trump for emboldening bigots through his rhetoric, even though Trump condemned the assault as well.
June 2019: Comments on Biden's Stance on School Busing
In June 2019, Jesse Jackson expressed that he did not understand Joe Biden's previous support for segregated school busing but believed "he's changed". He also voiced his opposition to states' rights.
2019: Delivery of food to activists at Venezuelan embassy
In 2019, Jesse Jackson delivered food to activists occupying the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, D.C., during the Venezuelan presidential crisis.
March 8, 2020: Jackson Endorses Bernie Sanders for President
On March 8, 2020, Jesse Jackson endorsed Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish, for president of the United States.
March 2020: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders in the Primary
In March 2020, Jesse Jackson endorsed Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary, stating that Sanders made several commitments to him and requested that Sanders pick an African-American woman as his running mate.
June 2020: Praise for Mayor Fischer and Criticism of Senator Paul
In June 2020, following the killing of Breonna Taylor, Jesse Jackson commended Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer for announcing a review of police conduct and policies and criticized Senator Rand Paul for delaying a bill aimed at making lynching a hate crime.
April 2021: Reaction to Derek Chauvin Verdict
In April 2021, after the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, Jesse Jackson appeared with the Floyd family at a press conference, urging attendees to "learn to live together as brothers and sisters and not die apart".
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.
August 2021: Hospitalized 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, Cambridge
In December 2021, Jesse Jackson was elected an Honorary Fellow of Homerton College, Cambridge.
2021: Appointed Commander of the Legion of Honor
In 2021, Jesse Jackson was appointed Commander of the Legion of Honor, France's highest order of merit, by French President Emmanuel Macron, for his work in civil rights.
2021: Hospitalizations
In 2021, Jesse Jackson was hospitalized twice due to health complications, including testing positive for COVID-19 and later suffering a head injury.
June 2022: Roe v. Wade Overruled
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 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. This decision was influenced by his advanced age and health issues, including Parkinson's disease and hospitalizations in 2021 due to COVID-19 and a head injury.
2023: Call for Action Ahead of State of the Union Address
In 2023, ahead of the State of the Union Address, Jesse Jackson wrote an op-ed calling for President Biden and Congress to extend the Child Tax Credit, make voter registration automatic, limit big money in politics, and revive the Voting Rights Act.
May 2024: Views on the Gaza War
In May 2024, Jesse Jackson wrote about the Gaza war in The Chicago Maroon. While condemning the October 7 attacks, he criticized Israel's response as an attack on Palestinian civilians and a massacre. He also voiced support for pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, drawing parallels to divestment campaigns for South Africa.
2024: FEC Fine Equivalent
In 2005, the Federal Election Commission fined Jackson and the Democratic National Committee $200,000, which is equivalent to $307,800 in 2024.
2024: Equivalent values of payments in 2024
In 2024, the $15,000 and $21,000 payments made in August 1999 to Karin Stanford are equivalent to $28,310 and $39,640, respectively.
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