* The Sun-Times…
“I may be poor …” began the call-and-response Rev. Jesse Jackson led in various forms before rapt audiences for more than half a century. “But I am … somebody! I may be on welfare. But I am … somebody! I may be in jail. But I am … somebody! I may be uneducated, But I am … somebody. I am Black. Beautiful. Proud. I must be respected. I must be protected. I am … somebody!”
That, in essence, is the message Rev. Jackson devoted his life to championing — for Black people in general and himself in particular. From leading Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s open housing campaign in Chicago in 1964, through his close association with the great civil rights leader during the last three years of King’s life, to the tumultuous 1970s, when Jackson started what became the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, to the 1980s, when he ran the first viable presidential campaign by a Black candidate in the United States, to the 1990s, when he traveled the globe, to free hostages, advise leaders, join picket lines and lend his internationally famous name to often desperate causes. To his later years, when he settled into the role as a revered elder statesman of Black Chicago and an unceasing voice for social justice.
Rev. Jackson died at age 84 on Tuesday, his family said in a statement. He had been in declining health for a decade; in 2017 he announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years earlier, but last April revealed that it was actually misdiagnosed progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition also affecting bodily movements. He stepped down as president of PUSH in July 2023, citing health concerns. Rev. Jackson appeared onstage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August 2024, when he was presented to the crowd after a video celebrating his life, but did not speak.
If the legend of his mentor, Martin Luther King was simplified, almost beatified, by early death — a martyr at 39, an icon who had a dream — then the legacy of his eager protege was complicated by long life. Rev. Jesse Jackson was in the public eye for six decades, a tireless wielder of social pressure. He was respected and dismissed, inspiring adoration and disdain, a Chicago institution who left footprints on the world stage, an ardent advocate for civil rights whose attempts to wield political power himself were thwarted, and channeled into the power of protest, persuasion and complaint.
* Governor JB Pritzker…
* Attorney General Kwame Raoul…
“Rev. Jackson had an impact on my life since I was a young boy, growing up a block away from PUSH headquarters. The words ‘I am somebody!’ resonated with me, giving hope of what I may one day achieve by way of service to others. As I raised my kids a block away from the PUSH headquarters, I brought them to PUSH when they were young to hear the same words. He was always a strong advocate for Haiti and challenged me to be the same. He never hesitated to call to challenge me, unapologetically, to do better in my service to others. I am a better public servant because of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rest, Reverend; you have earned your peace.”
* Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs…
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rev. Jackson rose from the shackles of Jim Crow in Greenville, South Carolina, to become an international icon. He walked alongside the greatest figures of the 20th Century, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., but Rev. Jackson stood in the shadow of no one. He always forged his own path.
“Rev. Jackson was a gifted athlete, orator, and leader, who channeled his strengths and gifts to fight on behalf of others. He marched in Montgomery, lent his talents to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and created Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow/Push Coalition.
“From his base on Chicago’s South Side, Rev. Jackson mentored local activists and counseled national leaders. He stood tall in the face of his critics, understood his own humanity, and offered grace and humility to all who sought his comfort.
“He was a man of deep faith who understood and practiced the delicate balance of tending his flock while fighting the wolves who sought to destroy it.
“In doing so, Rev. Jackson knew the fight between the haves and the have-nots would exceed his time on earth and he worked to ensure that others would be ready to carry forward the mantle of fairness, opportunity, and respect. Rev. Jackson will not be replaced, but his legacy, vision, and courage will inspire leaders for generations to come. I wish strength and comfort to all who mourn this loss.”
* Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
* Senate President Don Harmon…
“The Rev. Jackson was a hero, a champion, a rabble-rouser and a front-row participant to history. He spent his life challenging the status quo, fighting for underdogs and pushing society forward toward justice and equality. We are all indeed better because of his work and commitment. We can honor his legacy by keeping the fight alive and always seeking that better tomorrow. May he forever rest in peace.”
* House Speaker Chris Welch…
* Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson…
I am devastated to lose my mentor and friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. My heart and prayers are with his devoted family- his wife Jacqueline, their children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef and Jackie, daughter Ashley Jackson, and their dear grandchildren.
We honor him, and his hard-earned legacy as a freedom fighter, philosopher, and faithful shepherd of his family and community here in Chicago. I am personally grateful for Rev. Jackson and his family embracing me and our city with his wisdom and guidance. His friendship, counsel and prayers had a deep impact on my family.
In honor of Rev. Jackson’s service, and as our city mourns, the Chicago flag will lower to half-staff. We thank all of the Chicagoans who served as volunteers in Rev. Jackson’s organization, providing decades of mutual aid throughout Chicago.
We know his message of justice and empowerment reverberated worldwide, as the leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Operation Bread Basket. Reverend Jackson’s unwavering courage extends beyond his notable civil rights leadership with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he lent his support to countless humanitarian efforts at home and abroad. Rev. Jackson served as the first executive director of Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) here in Chicago and as an international human rights advocate and spiritual advisor to world leaders.
Rev. Jackson’s mission always centered the strength and liberation of our Black community, but his mission always extended to all who needed empowerment by cultivating a rainbow of power that could shine through every storm. Rev. Jackson intimately understood what was at stake in affirming the humanity of working people. He never lost sight that those fighting for justice are entitled to the most basic needs of health and nutrition, housing, education, and jobs in order to achieve their greatest potential. Rev. Jackson held strong to this truth that we all are “somebody.” He preached that the flame of hope exists in all of us and it is our power and responsibility to unify that flame amongst our neighbors to improve our present conditions and secure a future where we can all thrive.
As we lift up his life and wrap our arms around his family and all those who loved him, I ask you to anchor your hope in action to honor Rev. Jackson’s enduring contributions. He believed in you, and found hope in humanity. Do something today to keep hope alive.
* Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford…
“Today, Illinois and the world mourn the loss of one of the greatest champions for justice and human dignity this nation has ever produced. The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. was a moral force, a prophetic voice and a living bridge between the movement that freed us and the work that still remains.
“I had the privilege of working alongside Reverend Jackson. I remember the way he looked you in the eye and made you feel as though the entire weight of the struggle was yours to carry — not as a burden, but as an honor. That encounter never left me. It shaped the kind of public servant I strive to be.
“To the entire Jackson family: the people of Illinois grieve with you. You shared him with the world, and the world is better for it.
“May we honor his memory not with monuments, but with motion — continuing the fight for voting rights, economic justice and the full dignity of every human being. Rest in power, Reverend. The work goes on.”
…Adding… Senate Republican Leader John Curran…
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of the civil rights, faith, and Illinois leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rev. Jesse Jackson dedicated his life and career to fighting for justice and civil rights here in Illinois, and throughout the nation. I am praying for his family and all who knew and were inspired by him during this time of loss.”
- City Zen - Tuesday, Feb 17, 26 @ 11:15 am:
That ““I may be poor …” speech is an absolutely beautiful statement. Both introspective in a humbling fashion yet poignant and proud. A reminder that we can derive strength from what we might perceive as our weakness.
- Excitable Boy - Tuesday, Feb 17, 26 @ 11:21 am:
On top of his contributions to civil rights, Jesse Jackson also fought against the Democratic party shift to the right to chase corporate/Wall St dollars. If online fundraising was around back in the 80s things might have turned out a lot differently. RIP
- Candy Dogood - Tuesday, Feb 17, 26 @ 11:44 am:
He did a lot to advance the cause of Justice in this country and I hope his life serves as an inspiration for those who must push forward.
Folks used to come up to me on the campaign trail and talk about their involvement with Jackson’s 88 campaign to establish their progressive bona fides.
- Steve - Tuesday, Feb 17, 26 @ 11:53 am:
He inspired many people to get involved in elected politics. He did well in his run 1988 which encouraged many people to aspire for something. Today is the day to honor the man. He never forgot he was from Chicago. He loved his neighborhood. He never thought he was too good for Chicago’s South Side. He will not be forgotten. RIP.
- JoanP - Tuesday, Feb 17, 26 @ 11:58 am:
His impact did, indeed, extend beyond the U.S.
A woman from Vienna posted on a site I frequent about having heard him preach there. She said, “I give thanks that he is freed from the ailments that he suffered in his final years. I give thanks for the service gave for so long to his church and his country. It was an immense privilege to have heard him preach.”
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Feb 17, 26 @ 12:08 pm:
==I always thought that Jesse Jackson was a self-serving opportunist. ==
Stay classy. Sheesh.
- Steve - Tuesday, Feb 17, 26 @ 12:09 pm:
Jesse Jackson was one of the greatest public speakers of the 20th Century. Few speakers were in his league.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Feb 17, 26 @ 12:28 pm:
All politicians are self-serving opportunists. Not sure why you needed to post that comment, but it says a lot about you.