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SPHistory in the sky.. Rest In Power Rev. Jesse L. Jackson. I was asked what did he do? I’ll tell you.
1. Close Associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Worked alongside Dr. King during the Civil Rights Movement and was present in Memphis in 1968 when Dr. King was assassinated.
2. Founded Operation PUSH (1971)
People United to Save Humanity focused on economic empowerment, education, and civil rights for Black Americans.
3. Founded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition (1996)
Merged Operation PUSH with the Rainbow Coalition to advocate for social justice, voting rights, labor rights, and economic equality.
4. First Major Black Presidential Campaign Contender (1984 & 1988)
Ran for President of the United States twice. In 1988, he won several primaries and caucuses, becoming one of the most successful Black presidential candidates in U.S. history at that time.
5. Expanded the “Rainbow Coalition” Concept
Brought together African Americans, Latinos, poor whites, labor unions, farmers, and marginalized communities into a unified political movement.
6. International Diplomacy & Humanitarian Efforts
Negotiated the release of American hostages abroad, including in Cuba, Syria, and Iraq, often acting as an informal diplomat.
7. Corporate Diversity Advocacy
Pressured major corporations to hire more minorities and invest in minority communities, increasing Black representation in business leadership.
8. Voter Registration & Political Mobilization
Led large-scale voter registration drives that significantly increased minority political participation.
9. Civil Rights Advocacy After MLK
Continued the fight for civil rights, economic justice, education access, and anti-apartheid efforts long after the 1960s movement.
10. Presidential Medal of Freedom (2000)
Awarded by President Bill Clinton for his lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice.
He has been one of the most visible and influential civil rights leaders in America for over five decades.
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