In a city he visited often, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is being remembered for his efforts to “keep hope alive” – as he put it – among African Americans.
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen issued a statement on Jackson’s passing at 84, noting his appreciation for the former presidential candidate’s efforts to support diversity and equality.
“Jackson negotiated global hostage releases,” the mayor said, “and shamed corporations for their lack of corporate diversity and failure to support voting rights … We are all truly grateful for Jesse Jackson’s dedication to making America a more just and equitable place for all.”
Camden Councilman Chris Collins said Jackson – who died on Feb. 17 from Parkinson’s disease – carried on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
“The loss of Jesse Jackson is devastating to the African American community, really to the United States,” he observed. “Jesse crossed cultural barriers. (He was) able to take the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., carry the baton, establish national programs.and continue to remind people of color that to keep hope alive was monumental.”
In honor of Jackson’s passing, Camden ordered flags on municipal buildings to be flown at half staff until a series of funeral tributes around the country begins on Thursday.
Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young spoke for the board about Jackson’s influence.
“Rev. Jackson was a pivotal figure in the fight for civil rights during the 1960s and remained dedicated throughout his life to making America a more just and equitable place for all …” he said. “Rev. Jackson helped to preserve the legacy of the Civil Rights movement and kept its value alive for years to come.”
The NAACP Camden County East branch also addressed Jackson’s legacy.
“We join the nation and the global community in mourning the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.,” it noted, “an instrumental and powerful figure in the struggle for civil rights, social justice and human dignity … (Jackson’s) leadership extended from the streets of the Civil Rights movement to the world stage, where he championed voting rights, economic justice, education, health-care access and international diplomacy.”
“The adult branch and our youth units, including the Camden County East Youth Council and Rutgers-Camden, are proud to honor the profound legacy of civil rights advocacy and civic engagement that he leaves behind,” branch president Ma’isha Aziz observed.
“We share in mourning Rev. Jackson’s death and extend our deepest condolences to the Jackson family and to all who were touched by his leadership, mentorship and love for humanity.”
Gov. Mikie Sherrill had a special memory of the man she called “a giant of the Civil Rights movement.”
“His tireless fight for justice and equality transformed our nation and inspired millions,” she remarked. “In middle school, I had the honor of seeing Rev. Jackson during his first run for president, a memory that has stuck with me throughout the years. His vision of a ‘rainbow coalition’ reminded us that, despite our perceived differences, we are strongest when we unite together to fight for our shared aspirations.
“Let’s honor Rev. Jackson’s life of service by carrying forward the hope, unity, and justice he believed in.”
Born in 1941, Jackson was a protégé of Dr. King’s and a young leader during the Civil Rights movement who witnessed his mentor’s assassination in 1968. Jackson continued to lead King’s movement through groups like the People United to Serve Humanity (PUSH).
One of his important accomplishments was forming the Rainbow Coalition in 1984. It merged with PUSH in 1996 to create the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. According to its website, the coalitions works to “make the American dream a reality for all our citizens and advocate for peace and justice around the world.”
Jackson was the first Black man to run a major campaign for president in the 1984 and 1988 Democratic primaries. In the latter, he won 11 states, but ultimately lost to Michael Dukakis, who then lost to Republican George H.W. Bush.
