"Jesse Louis Jackson is a renowned American civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister. He gained early recognition as a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement and remained a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights throughout his long career spanning over seven decades. Notably, he held the position of shadow senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. Jackson is also recognized as the father of Jesse Jackson Jr., a former U.S. Representative, and Jonathan Jackson, a current U.S. Representative."
1908: Birth of Noah Louis Robinson
Jesse Jackson's biological father, Noah Louis Robinson, was born in 1908.
1924: Birth of Helen Burns
Jesse Jackson's mother, Helen Burns, was born in 1924.
October 8, 1941: Birth of Jesse Jackson
On October 8, 1941, Jesse Louis Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina to Helen Burns and Noah Louis Robinson.
1955: Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Montgomery bus boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement, began in 1955. This event profoundly impacted Jesse Jackson's views on segregation.
1959: Graduates High School and Attends University of Illinois
Jesse Jackson graduated high school and turned down a minor league baseball contract to attend the University of Illinois on a football scholarship in 1959.
July 16, 1960: Greenville Public Library Sit-in
Jesse Jackson, home from college, joined seven other African Americans in a sit-in at the Greenville Public Library in Greenville, South Carolina on July 16, 1960. The group protested the library's segregationist policy of only allowing white people and was arrested for "disorderly conduct".
1960: Jackson Transfers to North Carolina A&T
After his second semester, Jesse Jackson transferred from the University of Illinois to North Carolina A&T, a historically Black university in Greensboro in 1960.
December 31, 1962: Marriage to Jacqueline Lavinia Brown
Jesse Jackson married Jacqueline Lavinia Brown on December 31, 1962.
1964: Graduates from North Carolina A&T
Jesse Jackson graduated with a B.S. in Sociology from North Carolina A&T in 1964.
1965: Participates in Selma to Montgomery marches
In 1965, Jesse Jackson participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches in Alabama, organized by James Bevel, Martin Luther King Jr., and other civil rights leaders.
1966: Heads Chicago Branch of Operation Breadbasket
Jesse Jackson was chosen by Martin Luther King Jr. and James Bevel to head the Chicago branch of Operation Breadbasket, the economic arm of the SCLC, in 1966.
1966: Leaves Chicago Theological Seminary
Three classes shy of earning his master's degree, Jesse Jackson left the Chicago Theological Seminary in 1966 to focus on the civil rights movement.
1967: Promoted to National Director of Operation Breadbasket
In 1967, Jesse Jackson was promoted to National Director of Operation Breadbasket.
April 4, 1968: Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Jesse Jackson was present at the time and claimed to have been the last person to speak to King.
1968: Ordained as Minister
Jesse Jackson was ordained as a minister in 1968.
1969: Viewed as King's Successor
By 1969, The New York Times reported that several black leaders viewed Jackson as the successor to Martin Luther King Jr.
October 1971: Black Expo in Chicago
In October 1971, Jesse Jackson organized the Black Expo in Chicago, a five-day trade and business fair aimed at promoting black capitalism and political power. The event attracted black businessmen from 40 states and notable politicians, including Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes and Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley.
December 1971: Jackson and Abernathy Split
In December 1971, Jesse Jackson and Ralph Abernathy had a fallout amid a leadership struggle. Abernathy questioned the handling of receipts from the Black Expo and suspended Jackson for forming non-profit corporations without permission. This led to Jackson, his Breadbasket staff, and most board members resigning from the SCLC to plan a new organization.
December 25, 1971: Founding of Operation PUSH
On December 25, 1971, Jesse Jackson officially launched Operation PUSH, later renamed People United to Serve Humanity. The organization aimed to influence politics and improve economic opportunities for blacks and poor people. T. R. M. Howard was appointed as a board member and finance chair.
1971: Recognition as one of Ebony Magazine's "100 Most Influential Black Americans"
In 1971, Ebony Magazine included Jesse Jackson on its list of the "100 most influential black Americans."
1973
Less than a month after the Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in 1973, Jackson, who was more aligned with pro-life views at the time, began a PUSH campaign against the decision. He called abortion murder and stated that historical figures like Jesus and Moses might not have been born if abortion had been legal in ancient times. His stance temporarily alienated one of his main supporters, Black physician T. R. M. Howard, who performed abortions.
1975
In 1975, Jackson endorsed both a plan for a constitutional amendment to ban abortion and the Hyde Amendment, which prohibited federal Medicaid funding for abortions.
1977
In 1977, Jackson argued in a National Right to Life Committee News report that the right to privacy, which was the basis for the Roe v. Wade decision, had been used to justify slavery and the treatment of slaves. He condemned the perceived casual taking of life and the decline in societal values.
1978: Call for Republican Outreach
In 1978, Jesse Jackson urged the Republican Party to build a closer relationship with the black community, emphasizing the need for the party to compete for black votes to offer real political alternatives.
1979: Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged
Jesse Jackson received the Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged in 1979.
May 1983: Address to the Alabama Legislature
In May 1983, Jesse Jackson became the first African-American man since Reconstruction to address a joint session of the Alabama Legislature. In his address, he emphasized the importance of moving beyond racial divisions and focusing on economic issues, stating that it was "about time we forgot about black and white and started talking about employed and unemployed".
November 3, 1983: Presidential Campaign Announcement
On November 3, 1983, Jesse Jackson formally announced his candidacy for president of the United States in the 1984 election. This made him the second African American, following Shirley Chisholm, to launch a national campaign for president as a Democratic candidate.
1983: Boycott Against Anheuser-Busch
In 1983, Jesse Jackson and Operation PUSH led a boycott against Anheuser-Busch, criticizing the company's minority employment levels. The boycott drew attention to the need for better employment opportunities for minorities.
1983: Release of Navy Lt. Robert Goodman
In 1983, Jesse Jackson traveled to Syria and successfully secured the release of Navy Lt. Robert Goodman, an American pilot captured by the Syrian government. This act boosted Jackson's reputation and set the stage for his 1984 presidential run.
January 4, 1984: White House Welcome for Goodman
On January 4, 1984, President Reagan welcomed Jesse Jackson and Navy Lt. Robert Goodman to the White House following Jackson's successful negotiation for Goodman's release from Syria.
March 1984: Success in Primaries and Impact on Black Voters
By March 1984, Jesse Jackson's campaign had achieved notable success in early primaries and caucuses, particularly in states like Georgia and Alabama, where massive voter registration drives targeting black voters led to a significant increase in voter turnout compared to 1980.
June 1984: Release of Americans Held in Cuba
In June 1984, Jesse Jackson negotiated the release of 22 Americans held in Cuba, further establishing his role in international diplomacy.
September 19, 1984: Advocacy against James Dupree Henry's Execution
Despite Jesse Jackson and Coretta Scott King's pleas for clemency, James Dupree Henry was executed on September 19, 1984, for the murder of Z. L. Riley.
1984
Jackson's 1988 campaign was better financed and organized than his 1984 run, and he had become a more credible candidate after his past successes. He more than doubled his previous results, leading R.W. Apple of The New York Times to call 1988 "the Year of Jackson".
1984: First Presidential Campaign
In 1984, Jesse Jackson launched his first presidential campaign, challenging former Vice President Walter Mondale and Senator Gary Hart for the Democratic nomination. He ultimately finished in third place.
1984: Formation of Rainbow Coalition
In 1984, Jesse Jackson founded the Rainbow Coalition and resigned as president of Operation PUSH to run for president of the United States. Despite stepping down, he remained involved as chairman of the board.
1984: Controversial Remarks and Rift with Jewish Community
Jesse Jackson faced criticism in 1984 for using offensive language towards Jews, leading to a rift with the Jewish community that lasted for many years.
1984: Address to the Democratic National Convention
Jesse Jackson addressed the 1984 Democratic National Convention, a significant event where he offered an apology for remarks deemed offensive to Jews. This address was seen as an important moment in addressing concerns about his stance and reaffirming his commitment to the Democratic Party.
January 1985: Procession in Washington D.C.
In January 1985, coinciding with Ronald Reagan's second inauguration, Jesse Jackson led a procession of several hundred supporters through downtown Washington, D.C., culminating at the Washington Monument.
June 1986: Commencement Speech and Call for War on Drugs
In June 1986, Jesse Jackson delivered a commencement speech at Medgar Evers College, expressing concern over what he perceived as an "ethical collapse" and "spiritual withdrawal" among young people, manifested in drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and violence.
March 1987: Formation of Exploratory Committee for Presidential Run
In March 1987, Jesse Jackson signaled his intention to potentially run for president again in the 1988 election by establishing an exploratory committee.
April 1987: Focus on Rural Iowa and Economic Issues
By April 1987, Jesse Jackson had significantly increased his presence and engagement in Iowa, a crucial state in the presidential nomination process. He shifted his campaign office to a rural part of the state, moving beyond the traditional focus on Des Moines, and emphasized the impact of the Reagan administration's economic policies on farmers and businessmen, drawing parallels to the struggles of unemployed black communities.
October 11, 1987: Announcement of Candidacy for the 1988 Presidential Election
On October 11, 1987, Jesse Jackson formally declared his candidacy for the 1988 presidential election.
November 1987
In November 1987, a New York Times article stated that most political analysts believed Jackson had little chance of being nominated for president, partly due to his race and liberal stance. Jackson also faced questions about his half-brother Noah Robinson Jr.'s criminal activity during his campaign.
1987: Efforts to Support Harold Washington's Re-election
During the 1987 Chicago mayoral election, Jesse Jackson actively worked to prevent divisions within the Democratic Party that could jeopardize the re-election of incumbent Mayor Harold Washington.
1987: Operation PUSH Debt Crisis
In 1987, Operation PUSH faced a significant debt crisis that threatened its existence. Jackson's political opponents used this issue against him during his campaign for the 1988 Democratic Party nomination.
1987: Policy Platform and Ideological Stance
In 1987, The New York Times characterized Jesse Jackson as "a classic liberal in the tradition of the New Deal and the Great Society," reflecting his policy positions and ideological leanings. His campaign platform during this period encompassed a range of progressive policy proposals, including a call for a single-payer universal healthcare system, increased taxes on the wealthy, reductions in defense spending, ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, measures to address drug trafficking, the establishment of an "American Investment Bank" to invest in infrastructure, a halt to the development of new nuclear weapons, and a more cooperative relationship with the Soviet Union.
1987: University of Illinois President Comments on Jackson's Academic Record
The president of the University of Illinois stated in 1987 that Jesse Jackson's freshman year transcript from 1960 was clean, refuting claims about his academic probation.
1988
Jackson once again exceeded expectations in the 1988 presidential election, prompting R.W. Apple of The New York Times to call it "the Year of Jackson". The Washington Post noted that while his support primarily came from black districts, his support among white voters allowed him to "claim that he is more than a one-race candidate." No other candidate was able to generate the same level of total support.
1988: Second Presidential Campaign
Jesse Jackson ran for president again in 1988, this time against Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis. Jackson finished as the runner-up, exceeding expectations once more.
1988: NAACP President's Award
In 1988, Jesse Jackson was honored by the NAACP with the President's Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the advancement of civil rights.
1988: 1988 Presidential Campaign
In 1988, Jesse Jackson ran for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, leveraging his leadership role and the activities of Operation PUSH to support his campaign.
1988
Following the arrest of District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry in 1988, Jackson faced pressure to run for mayor. While he initially stated he wasn't running, he also said that public servants should never say "never" or "forever". He discussed the possibility with his 1988 presidential campaign chairman, Joel Ferguson, who formally announced Jackson's decision not to run.
1990: Dinner Honoring The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
In 1990, Jesse Jackson attended a dinner for the 20th anniversary of The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. During the event, then-president George H.W. Bush made a comment about Jackson in regards to an African-American becoming president someday.
1990: Elected to the United States Senate
Jesse Jackson was elected to the United States Senate in 1990 to represent the District of Columbia as a shadow delegate.
November 1991: Jackson Declines to Enter 1992 Presidential Race
In November 1991, Jackson told Democratic National Committee chair Ron Brown that he would not enter the 1992 Democratic Party presidential primaries. This decision led to concerns about the future of the Rainbow Coalition, which had gained influence during Jackson's presidential campaigns.
1991
Instead of running for mayor, Jackson ran for the unpaid position of "shadow senator" for the District of Columbia in 1991. The role primarily involved lobbying for statehood for the District.
1991: James Madison Award for Distinguished Public Service
Jesse Jackson received the prestigious James Madison Award for Distinguished Public Service from the American Whig-Cliosophic Society in 1991.
April 26, 1992: Jackson and Clinton Meet
On April 26, 1992, Jackson and Bill Clinton met and announced their commitment to defeating George H. W. Bush in the general election. Jackson expressed his support for Clinton should he win the Democratic nomination.
1992: Both Sides with Jesse Jackson Premieres
Jesse Jackson began hosting "Both Sides with Jesse Jackson" on CNN in 1992.
August 29, 1993: Commemoration of the March on Washington
On August 29, 1993, Jackson participated in the 30th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He walked alongside U.S. government officials at the Lincoln Memorial.
September 1996: Jackson Visits Tupac Shakur
In September 1996, Jackson visited rapper Tupac Shakur in the hospital following a drive-by shooting. Jackson's comments about the incident, attributing it to a "violent culture," were criticized by SFGATE.
1996: Introduction of Yusef Jackson to Anheuser-Busch
In 1996, August Busch IV, Anheuser-Busch's CEO, was introduced to Yusef Jackson by family friend Ron Burkle. This introduction laid the groundwork for Yusef and his brother Jonathan to later head a Chicago beer distribution company.
1996: Jackson Supports Clinton's Re-election
In 1996, Despite initial criticism of Bill Clinton's policies, Jesse Jackson became a key ally in garnering African American support for Clinton's re-election. Jackson eventually became a close friend and adviser to the Clinton family.
1996: Merger of Operation PUSH and Rainbow Coalition
In 1996, Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition merged to consolidate their efforts in advocating for social justice and economic opportunities for minorities.
1997: Death of Noah Louis Robinson
Jesse Jackson's biological father, Noah Louis Robinson, passed away in 1997.
1997: Jackson Supports Sharpton's Mayoral Bid
In 1997, Jackson supported Al Sharpton's run for mayor of New York City. He criticized other politicians for not supporting Sharpton, who ultimately lost the Democratic primary.
1997
Jackson served as "shadow senator" until 1997 and chose not to seek reelection.
1997: Special Envoy to Kenya
In 1997, Jesse Jackson visited Kenya as President Bill Clinton's special envoy for democracy to promote free and fair elections. He met with Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi during this mission.
1998: Jackson Opposes Clinton Impeachment
In 1998, Jackson opposed the impeachment of Bill Clinton, arguing that Clinton's actions did not warrant removal from office. He led a prayer vigil to demonstrate the opposition to Clinton's impeachment.
1998: Jackson Brothers Head River North Sales
In 1998, Yusef and Jonathan Jackson were chosen by Anheuser-Busch to lead River North Sales, a Chicago beer distribution company, sparking controversy due to the family's previous involvement in a boycott against the company.
March 1999: Jackson Declines to Run in 2000 Presidential Election
In March 1999, Jackson announced he would not run for president in 2000, opting to focus on education and health care reform while highlighting the issue of the growing prison population.
November 18, 1999: Jackson Challenges School Expulsions
On November 18, 1999, Jackson challenged the two-year expulsion of seven Decatur, Illinois, high school students involved in a fight at a football game. He argued that the expulsions were unfair and racially biased.
1999: Golden Doves for Peace journalistic prize
In 1999, Jesse Jackson's journalistic work was recognized with the Golden Doves for Peace prize, awarded by the Italian Research Institute Archive Disarmo.
March 1, 2000: Jackson Endorses Al Gore
On March 1, 2000, Jackson endorsed Vice President Al Gore for president, citing Gore's experience and accomplishments in government.
March 2000: Criticism of Giuliani's Handling of Dorismond Shooting
In March 2000, Jackson criticized Mayor Rudy Giuliani's response to the police shooting of Patrick Dorismond. Giuliani's spokesperson accused Jackson of joining a politically motivated attack.
August 2000: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In August 2000, President Bill Clinton bestowed upon Jesse Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to society.
2000: Both Sides with Jesse Jackson Ends
"Both Sides with Jesse Jackson" ended its run on CNN in 2000.
2000: Receives Master of Divinity Degree
Based on previously earned credits, life experience, and work, Jesse Jackson was awarded a Master of Divinity degree by the Chicago Theological Seminary in 2000.
2000: Jackson Clashes with Jeb Bush
Following the 2000 presidential election recount, Jackson's clashes with Florida Governor Jeb Bush continued.
January 20, 2001: Clinton Grants Pardons Requested by Jackson
On January 20, 2001, Bill Clinton's last day in office, he pardoned several individuals whose pardons Jackson had requested, including Congressman Mel Reynolds, John Bustamante, and Dorothy Rivers. However, Clinton did not pardon Jackson's half-brother, Noah Robinson.
2002: 100 Greatest African Americans
Scholar Molefi Kete Asante recognized Jesse Jackson's profound impact on African American history by including him in his 2002 list of 100 Greatest African Americans.
2002: A New America
In 2002, Jesse Jackson stated his belief that the world was transitioning from a "Jeffersonian democracy" to a "King democracy," referencing Martin Luther King Jr.'s influence on modern democracy. That same year, Jackson faced a lawsuit from African Americans Against Exploitation Inc., alleging misrepresentation of the African American community, a claim Jackson dismissed as baseless. He was also the target of a white supremacist terror plot.
2002: Harry Edwards Publishes Article on Jackson's Time at University of Illinois
In 2002, sociologist Harry Edwards wrote an article on ESPN.com about the experiences of Black athletes at predominantly white universities, using Jesse Jackson's time at the University of Illinois as an example.
2002: Jackson Criticizes Jeb Bush's Nominee
In 2002, Jackson criticized Jeb Bush's nomination of Jerry Regier to the Department of Children and Families, citing Regier's controversial views on child discipline.
February 15, 2003: Anti-War Demonstration in Hyde Park
On February 15, 2003, Jesse Jackson spoke to over a million people in Hyde Park, London, during a massive anti-war demonstration against the imminent invasion of Iraq by the U.S. and the UK.
September 1, 2003: Solidarity at Yale
On September 1, 2003, Jesse Jackson was arrested for obstructing traffic during a protest at Yale University. He and other protestors were demonstrating their support for striking workers in the clerical, dining, and maintenance departments.
February 2004: A Call for Change
In February 2004, at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Jesse Jackson urged Southern voters to move past the anxieties that influenced their support for George W. Bush in the 2000 election. He endorsed John Kerry for the Democratic presidential nomination, praising Kerry's wartime experience.
June 2004: Jackson Rebukes Bush Over Voter Purges
In June 2004, Jackson condemned Bush's request for counties to remove felons from voter rolls, calling it a tactic to disenfranchise voters based on race and class. Bush responded by calling Jackson's comments "outrageous" and suggesting he was "past his prime."
November 2004: Visit to Northern Ireland
In November 2004, Jesse Jackson visited Northern Ireland to meet with senior politicians and community activists, aiming to promote better cross-community relations and support the peace process.
August 2005: Meeting with Hugo Chávez
In August 2005, Jesse Jackson traveled to Venezuela to meet President Hugo Chávez, condemning televangelist Pat Robertson's remarks suggesting Chávez should be assassinated. Jackson addressed the Venezuelan Parliament and met with African and indigenous community representatives.
2005: Jackson Supports Schiavo Family
In 2005, Jackson supported the family of Terri Schiavo in their effort to keep her alive, aligning with Bush's stance on the issue.
2005: UK's Operation Black Vote
In 2005, Jesse Jackson was involved in the United Kingdom's Operation Black Vote, a campaign aimed at encouraging Britain's ethnic minorities to participate in the 2005 General Election.
2005: FEC Fines DNC and Jackson
In 2005, the Federal Election Commission determined that Jesse Jackson and the Democratic National Committee had violated election law, resulting in a $200,000 fine. This fine was equivalent to $299,900 in 2023.
February 2006: "Most important black leader"
In a February 2006 AP-AOL "Black Voices" poll, Jesse Jackson was chosen as the "most important black leader," highlighting his enduring influence within the Black community.
March 2006: Support Amidst Controversy
In March 2006, when an African-American woman accused three white members of the Duke University men's lacrosse team of rape, Jackson's Rainbow/PUSH Coalition pledged to cover the remainder of her college tuition regardless of the legal outcome. The case was dismissed, and the players were cleared of all charges.
November 2006: Confronting Racism
Following Michael Richards's racist outburst at the Laugh Factory in November 2006, Jackson accepted Richards's apology and advocated for eliminating the "N-word" from the entertainment industry.
March 2007: Early Support, Later Criticism
Jesse Jackson declared his support for then-Senator Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries in March 2007. However, he later criticized Obama for what he perceived as Obama distancing himself from the Black community.
June 23, 2007: Taking a Stand in Riverdale
On June 23, 2007, Jesse Jackson was arrested during a protest at a gun shop in Riverdale, Illinois. Jackson and the protestors alleged the store was selling firearms to gang members, contributing to the community's decline. He was charged with criminal trespassing for refusing to allow customers to enter the store.
July 6, 2008: Microphone Mishap and Apology
On July 6, 2008, a microphone captured Jackson's private comments expressing disappointment over Obama's Father's Day speech, which was perceived as critical of absent Black fathers. Jackson subsequently apologized and reaffirmed his support for Obama.
2008: Honorary Fellowship from Edge Hill University
In 2008, Edge Hill University bestowed upon Jesse Jackson an Honorary Fellowship, acknowledging his significant contributions to academia and society.
August 2009: Prince Côte Nana
In August 2009, Jesse Jackson was crowned Prince Côte Nana by Amon N'Douffou V, King of Krindjabo, inheriting the title of High Prince of the Agni people of Côte d'Ivoire from Michael Jackson.
November 2009: Honoring a Legacy
The Congressional Black Caucus honored Jesse Jackson for the 25th anniversary of his 1984 presidential campaign in November 2009. Jackson sparked controversy with comments about Obama's healthcare reform proposal, suggesting Black individuals who opposed it were not truly Black.
2009: International Peace Foundation Speaker
In 2009, Jesse Jackson spoke for the International Peace Foundation on 'Building a culture of peace and development in a globalized world.' He visited multiple locations in Malaysia and Thailand, including the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations in Malaysia and NIST International School in Bangkok.
August 2010: Marching for Detroit
In August 2010, Jesse Jackson participated in the "Jobs, Justice and Peace" march in Detroit, advocating for a dedicated urban policy to address the city's economic challenges. However, the march faced criticism for being perceived as a political rally for the Democratic Party.
2011: Shifting Alliances
In 2011, writer Wayne Barrett suggested that President Obama's close relationship with Al Sharpton was partly influenced by Obama's strained relationships with other prominent Black figures like Jesse Jackson, Cornel West, and Tavis Smiley.
February 2012: Justice for Trayvon
Following the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin in February 2012, Jackson joined Martin's parents in calling for the arrest of George Zimmerman and advocating for the repeal of "stand your ground" laws. He rejected Zimmerman's acquittal, likening it to the acquittals in the Emmett Till and Medgar Evers cases.
2012: Championing Equality
Jesse Jackson praised President Obama's 2012 endorsement of same-sex marriage, drawing parallels between the struggle for marriage equality and historical fights against slavery and laws prohibiting interracial marriage. He expressed support for federal legislation granting marriage rights to LGBTQ+ individuals.
July 2013: Advocating for Marissa Alexander
In July 2013, Jesse Jackson met with Marissa Alexander, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot during a domestic dispute. He contrasted Alexander's sentence with George Zimmerman's acquittal, highlighting racial disparities in the justice system.
2013: Attendance at Chávez's Funeral
In 2013, Jesse Jackson attended the funeral of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. He made remarks about the progress of democracies and the history of U.S. presidents, acknowledging the evolution of American democracy.
January 2015: Combating Gentrification in Palo Alto
In January 2015, Jesse Jackson participated in a panel discussion at Stanford University, where he advocated for Palo Alto residents to actively fight against gentrification, even suggesting marches to Silicon Valley company headquarters. He also engaged in discussions with Silicon Valley leaders during this time.
January 2015: Release and Plea Deal
In January 2015, Marissa Alexander was freed from jail in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of a plea deal limiting her sentence to the three years she had already served.
2015: Honorary Doctorate
In 2015, the University of Edinburgh acknowledged Jesse Jackson's lifelong commitment to civil rights by awarding him an honorary degree of Doctor Honoris Causa.
2015: Death of Helen Burns
Jesse Jackson's mother, Helen Burns, passed away in 2015.
2016: Reactions to the 2016 Election and Donald Trump
In 2016, Jesse Jackson chose not to endorse a candidate in the Democratic presidential primary but later endorsed Hillary Clinton after she secured the nomination. Following Donald Trump's victory, Jackson urged him to unify the country and expressed his views on the election in an op-ed for The Guardian.
2017: Diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease
Jesse Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017.
January 2018: Criticism of Trump and Reflection on MLK's Legacy
During a sermon in January 2018, Jesse Jackson criticized Donald Trump, accusing him of being out of touch with the common people. He also wrote an op-ed for The New York Times reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and his enduring relevance in contemporary struggles.
February 2019: Response to the Jussie Smollett Incident
In February 2019, following the reported attack on Jussie Smollett, Jesse Jackson condemned the incident and criticized Donald Trump, suggesting his rhetoric emboldened bigotry. After Smollett's charges of falsifying the attack, Jackson advocated for leniency in his sentencing.
June 2019: Views on Joe Biden and State's Rights
In June 2019, Jesse Jackson expressed his evolving views on Joe Biden, acknowledging Biden's past support for segregated school busing while believing he had changed. Jackson also voiced his opposition to state's rights.
2019: Support for Venezuelan Embassy Activists
During the 2019 Venezuelan presidential crisis, Jesse Jackson showed support for activists occupying the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, D.C. by delivering food to them.
March 2020: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Primary
Jesse Jackson endorsed Bernie Sanders in the March 2020 Democratic primary, citing commitments made by Sanders, including a reported request for an African-American woman as his running mate.
June 2020: Response to the Killing of Breonna Taylor
Following the death of Breonna Taylor in June 2020, Jesse Jackson commended the Mayor of Louisville for initiating a review of police conduct but criticized Senator Rand Paul for delaying an anti-lynching bill.
April 2021: Response to the Derek Chauvin Verdict
After Derek Chauvin's conviction for George Floyd's murder in April 2021, Jesse Jackson appeared alongside the Floyd family, emphasizing the need for unity and reconciliation.
August 3, 2021: Arrest at Voting Rights Protest
Jesse Jackson was arrested on August 3, 2021, during a protest advocating for voting rights, ending the filibuster, and raising the minimum wage.
December 2021: Honorary Fellow of Homerton College, Cambridge
In December 2021, Jesse Jackson was honored with an Honorary Fellowship from Homerton College, Cambridge, recognizing his significant contributions to academia and society.
2021: Commander of the Legion of Honor
French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Jesse Jackson as a Commander of the Legion of Honor in 2021, recognizing his significant contributions to civil rights with France's highest order of merit.
2021: Hospitalizations for COVID-19 and Head Injury
Jesse Jackson faced health challenges in 2021, being hospitalized twice, first due to COVID-19 and later because of a head injury.
June 2022
After the leak of the draft decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Jackson compared the draft to the Dred Scott v. Sandford case. He believed both were preceded by campaigns urging citizens to respect court decisions based on law rather than politics. He predicted that overturning Roe v. Wade would lead to significant political battles over fundamental rights in states, Congress, courts, and on the streets. In June 2022, the Supreme Court ultimately overruled Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision.
2022: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Benedict College awarded Jesse Jackson an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2022, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to humanity.
July 2023: Announcement of Stepping Down from Rainbow/PUSH Leadership
In July 2023, Jesse Jackson revealed his decision to step down as the head of Rainbow/PUSH, citing his age and health concerns, including a Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2017 and hospitalizations in 2021.
2023: Call for Action in Biden's State of the Union
Before the 2023 State of the Union address, Jesse Jackson penned an op-ed urging President Biden to outline a plan for addressing issues like the Child Tax Credit, voter registration, and voting rights.