A statement on the passing of Jesse Jackson

Today, we mourn the passing of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Jesse Jackson was a larger-than-life figure in American society, recognized around the world primarily for his civil rights leadership. Rev. Jackson should be remembered for the totality of his work that spans a lifetime of advancing human dignity, expanding access to opportunity, and demanding that institutions serve all people equitably.

He was an inspiration to all, but especially to Black Americans. He framed racial justice not as a narrow interest, but as a moral imperative tied to economic justice, voting rights, labor rights, educational access, healthcare, and international solidarity. Rev. Jackson's advocacy consistently affirmed that human rights are universal and indivisible.

From his powerful 1984 Democratic National Convention speech in San Francisco, where he declared that “our flag is red, white, and blue, but our nation is a rainbow,” to the founding of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, to his historic presidential campaigns that expanded the electorate and gave voice to those long excluded from power, Rev. Jackson consistently challenged America to live up to its highest morals.

Jesse Jackson came from humble beginnings and lived an extraordinary life rooted in faith. He stood with workers, with farmers, with students, with the poor, with the marginalized, always demanding that everyone be seen, heard, and respected. His legacy calls on all of us to continue building institutions that protect the vulnerable, expand equity, and uphold the inherent dignity of every person.