WASHINGTON, D.C. — Civil rights leader, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, has died at the age of 84.
An early follow and mentee of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson became a national voice for justice. Today, leaders in Washington and across the country are honoring his legacy.
Lawmakers expressed their sympathies and reflected on the legacy left by the civil rights icon.
“Jesse Jackson was an icon of the civil rights movement and a fearless warrior for justice for all people. He was one of the most powerful forces for positive change in our country and our world. America is a more equal and just place thanks to his work,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
“As we honor Rev. Jackson in the coming days, I will be thinking of the many lessons he taught us: ‘Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.’ We should all seek to embody that spirit and serve others the way Rev. Jackson did,” Schumer said.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said she was saddened to hear about Jackson’s passing.
“My heart is with his family— who has so openly and courageously shared what it means to walk the path of caregiving for a parent. I am grateful for Rev. Jackson’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality and making the world a better place. May his legacy of service live on,” Slotkin said.
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., also shared condolences to the family of Jackson, who Peters called “one of our nation’s most renowned civil rights leaders.”
“His decades of advocacy helped push this country toward a future with equal rights and opportunities for all Americans, no matter their race, religion, gender, or economic background. We must honor Rev. Jackson’s legacy by never giving up on our nation’s promise of liberty and justice for all,” Peters said on social media.
President Donald Trump called Jackson “a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and ‘street smarts.’”
“I knew him well, long before becoming President… He was very gregarious – Someone who truly loved people! Despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left, Democrats ALL, it was always my pleasure to help Jesse along the way. I provided office space for him and his Rainbow Coalition, for years, in the Trump Building at 40 Wall Street; Responded to his request for help in getting CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM passed and signed,” said Trump on Truth Social. “He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed!” Trump added.
Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition says he passed peacefully Tuesday morning, surrounded by family.
