The Rev. Jesse Jackson has been a pivotal figure in American civil rights for decades, and his journey from activist to leader encapsulates the evolution of social justice movements over time. The phrase “Burn, baby, burn” took on poignant significance during the civil rights era, echoing the frustrations and fiery spirit that fuelled protests against systemic injustice. It represented the raw emotions and battles fought for equality, a call to action in an era where voices needed to be heard above the chaos of oppression.
As we look back on the legacy of Rev. Jackson, it is vital to understand how Jackson’s own journey has transformed alongside the movements he championed. Many remember him as a charismatic and fiery public speaker and a Baptist preacher, igniting passion in communities yearning for change. However, what has emerged in recent years is a shift in Jackson’s rhetoric and focus: from the urgency of resistance to the necessity of education and empowerment. His phrase “Learn, baby, learn”, mentioned during a speech he made during an event in the Watts neighbourhood of Los Angeles in 1972, highlights this transformation and emphasises the importance of knowledge, preparation, and capacity-building as tools for liberation.
Rev. Jackson’s message reflects a broader societal change from surviving systemic racism and challenges to thriving in a world abundant with opportunities for growth and development. In a time when communities face not only economic disparities but also educational inequities, Jackson champions a proactive approach, urging individuals and groups to transcend mere existence. The transition from being a survivor to becoming a “thrivor” is about harnessing one’s potential and tapping into the collective strength of communities.
Through mentorship, educational initiatives, and grassroots organising, Rev. Jackson continues to inspire a new generation of leaders, emphasising that true change comes not only from raising voices but also from building skills and fostering resilience. If the civil rights movement was about dismantling barriers, Rev. Jackson’s current mission was about constructing pathways to success. He implored us to prioritise learning as a means to empowerment, equipping individuals with the tools necessary to navigate complex societal structures.
Rev. Jackson ran for president as a Democrat in both 1984 (finished third in the primary race) and 1988 (finished second, just behind eventual party nominee Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis). He served with the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference until shortly after Dr. King’s assassination in Memphis TN on April 4, 1968. Strong differences of opinions between Dr. King’s successor (Rev. Ralph Abernathy) and Rev. Jackson prompted Jackson to leave the SCLC. But Jackson founded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition (People United to Save Humanity and National Rainbow Coalition) in 1971 as a vehicle to advance causes related to civil rights for blacks, women, LGBTQ+, and other minority communities in the United States. He served as a diplomat and peace negotiator that helped release a number of Americans held prisoner in countries around the world, most notably Navy Lt. Robert Goodman in 1983 from Syrian authorities, along with negotiating the release of 22 hostages in Cuba in 1984, which raised his profile as a presidential candidate.
The legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson is a powerful reminder that advocacy is not static; it evolves and adapts to the needs of the times. As we reflect on the monumental impact of Rev. Jesse Jackson, let us carry forward his lessons on the importance of education and empowerment, ensuring that future generations not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity. Embracing this duality of resilience and aspiration is key to building a future where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson died on February 17, 2026 at the age of 84. I will never forget his most famous and iconic lines as a school child from Alabama during the 1980s: “Keep hope alive” and “I am somebody.” The former was Rev. Jackson’s campaign slogan when he ran for president of the United States in 1988 and was his speech during the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta GA. The latter was an appearance Rev. Jackson made on a 1972 episode of Sesame Street, where he led a group of children in a call-and-response chant, “I am somebody.” This episode was rebroadcast many times during the 1970s and 1980s on PBS, locally on my childhood PBS affiliate WBIQ in Birmingham AL.
