He was somebody: Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson’s message and meaning will be heard long after his passing

It’s time to honor the message and memory of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died on Tuesday at 84. His powerful voice still rings out across the world.

Jackson, a Baptist preacher and disciple of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was a crusader for civil rights and equality. He founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and the National Rainbow Coalition, both of which stood for social justice, opportunity and freedom.

They were progressive organizations, and not all of their efforts were fruitful. That was part of Jackson’s road of self-discovery, most of it undertaken in the most public of fashions.

Jackson’s overall message of hope, self-worth and dignity were important parts of the national discussion for decades. Political figures from all sides, including Presidents Clinton, Obama, Biden and yes, even Trump, spoke reverently of Jackson upon his death.

But while he knew countless influential people around the world and mingled with the powerful and wealthy, Jackson was dedicated to the poor, the old, the sick and the young.

“I am somebody,” he urged kids to say — and believe.

Jackson also aspired to be president. He ran for the Democratic nomination in both 1984 and 1988, launching both campaigns with the Iowa Caucuses. He did not carry the state nor did he become the nominee, but his impact was felt across the nation.

His moving speech at the 1988 Democratic National Convention on July 19 urged Americans to keep the dream alive. It was a powerful moment on the national stage, cementing his place as an American leader who was focused on morality, not mere politics.

Sen. Bernie Sanders is a Vermont independent who shared a liberal perspective with Jackson as well as presidential ambitions. Sanders said Jackson’s 1980s campaigns opened the door for another politician who made it across the finish line and wound up in the Oval Office.

“People forget about this, but Barack Obama would not be president today if Jesse Jackson didn’t come to Iowa,” he said. “That was a guerrilla-type campaign that clearly didn’t have resources but had incredible energy.”

Jackson also visited South Dakota, where he sympathized with people suffering through the 1980s Farm Crisis.

“I was in South Dakota before the other candidates came to South Dakota,” Jackson told KELO News. “I have spent more time at farm auctions, negotiating farmers’ land back than any other candidate. I spent more time with ranchers than any other candidate.”

He also visited the Pine Ridge and Standing Rock Reservations.

The Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association posted photos of his trips to Indian Country and praised his efforts in a Facebook post: “The Honorable Jesse Jackson has been called Home to rest. He fought for Civil Rights & Social & Economic Justice for all of us. His work must continue …”

“Jesse Jackson on the front lines at Standing Rock and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, always ready to answer the call,” Charlie Abourezk said.

Jesse Jackson was a man of faith, but he also was a man, flawed like all of us. He made mistakes, both as a human being and as a public figure. Some of his comments were ill-considered and he regretted uttering them.

But he moved forward, and millions admired and supported him. I count myself among them. Jesse Jackson was a great man. His loss will be felt deeply.

“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” Jackson’s family said in a statement Tuesday morning.

That is a worthy legacy. Rest now, Rev. Jackson. Your work is done, but your words and memory still stand tall.

Fourth-generation South Dakotan Tom Lawrence has written for several newspapers and websites in South Dakota and other states for four decades. He has contributed to The New York Times, NPR, The London Telegraph, The Daily Beast and other media outlets. Do not republish without permission.

Photo: Jackson in the Clinton White House, public domain, wikimedia commons

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