Jesse Jackson was a figure I was not too familiar with before hearing the news of his recent passing. In all honesty, this was the first time I have ever heard the name Jesse Jackson, and after seeing the impact his passing has made on our community I realized this was someone I should know and learn about. I decided to conduct my own research and write this article not only for myself but for others who were like me, and were unaware of the impact Jesse Jackson has made in this world and for the black community.
The first person I went to to gather information was my United States Constitution professor, Mr. Jerry Elix. Even though I was sure Elix knew who Jesse Jackson was, I asked him anyway and he immediately said, “Of course I know who Jesse Jackson is!” He told me that Jackson was the last major civil rights leader that stood and fought alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and was even standing in the area when he was assassinated.
Elix explained how Jackson started Operation Push in 1971 which was an organization focused on improving the lives of black communities across the United States. Operation Push helped keep young kids educated through various programs and assisted with securing job placements as well. This organization also helped compel major corporations to hire more black people and minorities. In 1984, Jackson also launched the National Rainbow Coalition which sought equal rights for all Americans.
Before all of that happened, in 1966, Jackson led Operation Breadbasket, launched by the Southern Christian leadership conference. This operation used the power of the persuasive ministers and the strength of the church to create economic opportunities for the black community.
In 1984 and again in 1988, Jackson ran for the presidency and was the first African-American male candidate to make it on the democratic primary ballot for president in all 50 states. Elix said Jackson was a well-liked man, and when Barack Obama won his presidential election, Elix said, “It was like passing the torch down to the next generation.”
Jackson was a big advocate for making sure people were coming together to vote. According to an article in the Journal Record, he came to Langston University in 2012 to speak about not only making sure our voices are heard but to also advocate against gun violence. He encouraged students to get registered and help shape the future.
Even now, I know there are many young people who do not believe that politics apply to them and voting does not matter but something that Elix said really stuck with me. He said it is up to our generation to continue to stand for what’s right just like Jackson and the ones before him did and voting is a big part of that.
Through my conversation with Elix and my own research, I understand now the impact Jesse Jackson has had on our community and will continue to have as we look back on what he has accomplished and contributed so that African-Americans and minorities can have the opportunities we have now. When talking about important civil rights leaders don’t forget to mention the name, Jesse Jackson.
Mikayla Suggs
Campus Question Coordinator and Staff Reporter
Mikayla Suggs is a sophomore broadcast journalism student. Mikayla wanted to write for the Gazette not only to get a hands on experience but because she just loves the art of writing. Mikayla enjoys writing feature stories the most. What the Gazette is doing here matters because everyone in Langston deserves to be heard and informed in their community. Outside of writing for the Gazette Mikayla likes to read, draw, listen to music, or just sleep. To contact Mikayla, you can reach her at Mikayla.suggs@langston.edu .
