The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement and a two-time presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by loved ones.
Jackson's life was marked by decades of activism, from his early days as a student leader in Greensboro to his work on the international stage. North Carolina A&T State University, his alma mater, is leading the tributes, remembering him as a global icon whose journey began on their campus.
Key Takeaways
- Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader, has died at the age of 84.
- He was an alumnus of North Carolina A&T State University, where he served as student body president and quarterback.
- Jackson was a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
- Community leaders and students are reflecting on his extensive legacy, which includes historic presidential campaigns and global advocacy for human rights.
A Legacy Forged in Activism
Jesse Jackson’s journey as an activist was deeply intertwined with his time as a student in North Carolina. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, he transferred to North Carolina A&T State University in 1960, a campus already energized by the Greensboro sit-ins that had occurred just four years prior.
He quickly became a prominent figure, serving as the student government president and quarterback for the Aggie football team. It was here that he honed the leadership skills that would define his public life. He graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in sociology, equipped with both academic knowledge and firsthand experience in the fight for equality.
His activism took shape on the streets of Greensboro. In 1963, Jackson led a significant sit-in at the intersection of Elm Street and Market Street, a powerful demonstration that further cemented the city's role in the national civil rights narrative.
From Protégé to Presidential Candidate
After graduating, Jackson became a protégé of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a key figure in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Following King's assassination, Jackson continued the fight for economic and social justice, founding organizations that would become the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. His work culminated in two groundbreaking campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, which galvanized minority voters and reshaped the political landscape.
A Giant's Impact on His Alma Mater
The community at North Carolina A&T is mourning the loss of one of its most distinguished alumni. University leaders remembered a man who never forgot his roots, even as he became a global figure.
“Aggie Nation mourns the loss of our friend and international force for equality and justice, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.,” said North Carolina A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II. “The indelible mark he left on our university and indeed, on all of us, is deeply felt this morning.”
Martin noted that Jackson's experiences on campus provided a foundation for his life's work. “He spent most of his life fighting uphill so that others can believe in what is possible,” he added.
Crystal W. Boyce, the university's Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations, shared personal reflections on Jackson's impact. “He was the voice for our student body. When students didn’t have a voice, he spoke up for them,” Boyce said. “His legacy will continue to live on in civil rights.”
Remembered Across the Community
Leaders beyond the university are also reflecting on Jackson's enduring connection to Greensboro. John Swaine, CEO of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, described him as a unifier.
“He was a man of the people… He understood that a rising tide lifts all boats,” Swaine stated. “The legacy that he leaves behind: bringing people together, building strong bridges and allies. Who could ask for anything more?”
A Force for Policy and Change
Jackson's influence extended beyond protests to tangible policy changes. Earl Jones, a former Greensboro city councilman and co-founder of the civil rights museum, recalled Jackson’s pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement.
Jones explained how he helped organize a march calling on a major bank to divest its financial holdings in South Africa. Jackson’s participation brought national attention to the effort, and Jones said the bank ultimately became one of the first major U.S. institutions to do so.
Guilford County Board of Commissioners Chair Skip Alston remembered Jackson's guidance on local issues. “He would give me pointers on how to make sure that we look at… the issues related to race… when we’re trying to make appointments to boards,” Alston said. “He’s always held us, told us to be accountable.”
Inspiring a New Generation
On the campus of NC A&T, current students see Jackson's life as a blueprint for modern activism. His story resonates deeply as they navigate contemporary civil rights issues, such as campus voting rights.
“Extremely inspiring, especially because it is from the Civil Rights Movement,” said Khalis Muhammad, an NC A&T student. “I feel like it’s even more inspiring because of… what’s just going on in our world currently.”
Another student, Nevaeh Moffatt, said Jackson's legacy is a call to action. “His legacy shows if you truly care about something, keep going with it,” she said. “He ran for president two times, and he was really active in the Civil Rights Movement.”
The university has created a memorial page for alumni and students to share tributes, which will be passed on to the Jackson family. While public services are planned for Chicago, the impact of his life's work continues to be felt profoundly in the North Carolina community where it first began.