Jesse Jackson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Jesse Jackson.

Jesse Jackson is a prominent American civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister. He rose to prominence as a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement and has remained a leading voice for civil rights for over seven decades. Jackson served as a shadow senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. He is the father of former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. and current U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson. Jackson's career reflects a blend of activism, political engagement, and religious leadership in the pursuit of social justice.

Sections (6)

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

1971: Named One of Ebony Magazine's "100 Most Influential Black Americans"

In 1971, Ebony Magazine named Jesse Jackson to its "100 most influential black Americans" list.

1979: Receives Jefferson Award

In 1979, Jesse Jackson received the Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged.

1980: Increased Voter Turnout

Jesse Jackson received the most black support in the Georgia, Alabama and Florida primaries, where registration drives led to a 69 percent increase in voter turnout from 1980 in Georgia and Alabama.

March 1984: Gained Third Place in Polls

In March 1984, a Washington Post-ABC News poll found Jesse Jackson in third place with 20 percent support in the Democratic primary race, behind Mondale and Hart.

1984: 25th Anniversary of Presidential Campaign

In November 2009, the Congressional Black Caucus honored Jesse Jackson for the 25th anniversary of his 1984 presidential campaign.

1988: Increased Credibility as a Candidate

In 1988, Jesse Jackson exceeded expectations in his campaign, more than doubling his previous results. This performance led R.W. Apple of The New York Times to call 1988 "the Year of Jackson".

1988: Second Presidential Bid

In 1988, Jesse Jackson mounted a second bid for president, finishing as the runner-up to Michael Dukakis.

1988: Awarded NAACP President's Award

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

1991: Receives James Madison Award

In 1991, Jesse Jackson received the American Whig-Cliosophic Society's James Madison Award for Distinguished Public Service.

1999: Receives 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.

August 2000: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2000: Master of Divinity Awarded

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

2002: Included on List of 100 Greatest African Americans

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

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.

2008: Presented with Honorary Fellowship from Edge Hill University

In 2008, Jesse Jackson was presented with an Honorary Fellowship from Edge Hill University.

August 2009: Crowned Prince Côte Nana

In August 2009, Jesse Jackson was crowned Prince Côte Nana by Amon N'Douffou V, King of Krindjabo, who rules more than a million Agni tribespeople.

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. Jackson also commented on Obama's health care reform proposal, criticizing blacks who voted against it.

2015: Awarded Honorary Degree from 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.

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, presented by French president Emmanuel Macron, for his work in civil rights.