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Tag: Rev. Jesse Jackson

  • NC A&T Honors Jesse Jackson With Day of Service

    North Carolina A&T State University is celebrating the enduring legacy of a pivotal alumnus, the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. ’64, with a special university-wide Day of Service. Proclaimed as Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. ‘64 Day of Service on April 23rd, this initiative coincides with National Volunteer Month, encouraging Aggies everywhere to embody the spirit of service that defined Jackson’s remarkable life.

    A Legacy of Service and Social Justice

    Chancellor James R. Martin II called upon the Aggie community, both on campus and beyond, to engage in meaningful acts of service and civic action. He described Jackson as an “incredible representation of service,” emphasizing that the university’s mission is to improve its region, state, and nation, a goal that begins with dedicated service. This day is a powerful way to remember Jackson’s contributions while actively continuing his work.

    The day kicked off with a program titled “From Vision to Action: Honoring a Legacy Through Service” at the Reflecting Pool. This event highlighted various aspects of Jackson’s time at A&T, where he graduated in 1964, and celebrated his lifelong commitment to advancing human dignity, social justice, and opportunity. His influence continues to inspire new generations of Aggies to lead with purpose and resilience.

    Community Engagement in Action

    Following the opening program, volunteers dispersed to various service sites. These included initiatives like supporting the Aggie Source Food Pantry, participating in a “plant-to-pantry” project with Habitat for Humanity, and creating greeting cards for the United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Family Success Center. Alumni chapters across the country are also organizing their own service projects, demonstrating the widespread impact of Jackson’s legacy.

    • Nourish the Block at the University Farm
    • Food Recovery Network initiatives
    • Sleep in Heavenly Peace projects
    • Greensboro Beautiful Campus Clean-Up efforts

    Rev. Jesse Jackson, a founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, passed away during Black History Month in 2026. He was renowned for his tireless advocacy for social responsibility and justice, particularly following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His iconic phrases, like “keep hope alive,” and his powerful speeches have resonated deeply with advocates and politicians for decades.

    A University on the Rise

    This Day of Service is just one of several significant announcements from NC A&T. As the Class of 2026 approaches graduation, the university also recently announced Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame inductee Queen Latifah as the keynote speaker for its undergraduate commencement. Alumna Dr. Nia Danielle Banks, an esteemed plastic surgeon, is set to address graduate students. These events highlight the university’s vibrant community and its commitment to celebrating both its history and its future leaders.

    How do you plan to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy through service in your own community? Share your ideas in the comments below!

  • Yusef Jackson to Lead Rainbow PUSH Coalition

    The Rainbow PUSH Coalition has appointed Yusef Jackson as its new President and CEO, marking a significant leadership transition for the renowned civil rights organization. This decision comes after the passing of its founder, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., and a brief period of uncertainty regarding the organization’s future leadership.

    Ensuring Continuity and Mission

    The coalition’s board made the decision to elevate Yusef Jackson to ensure organizational continuity and to uphold the founder’s lifelong commitment to economic and social justice. This appointment follows the earlier selection and subsequent resignation of Rev. Frederick Haynes III, who had been initially chosen as the successor.

    In an official announcement on X (formerly Twitter), the Rainbow PUSH Coalition expressed strong support for Yusef’s leadership, emphasizing the current need for greater courage, unity, and commitment to justice. The organization stated, ‘The fight for civil rights and economic equity is not behind us—it’s right now.’

    A Legacy of Activism

    Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a towering figure in the civil rights movement, passed away on February 17 at the age of 84. A two-time presidential candidate and protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his career spanned over six decades. He was instrumental in expanding the Democratic Party’s base and registering millions of new voters.

    Despite facing significant health challenges in his later years, including progressive supranuclear palsy, Rev. Jackson remained a visible presence at civil rights demonstrations and political events. His death prompted a national reflection on his profound impact on American society.

    The Path Forward

    Yusef Jackson now takes the helm, tasked with guiding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition into its next chapter. His leadership is seen as a crucial step in continuing the vital work his father championed for so many years, addressing ongoing issues of justice and equality.

    What are your hopes for Yusef Jackson’s leadership at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Ashley Jackson Denies Fabricated Quotes About Jesse Jackson Family

    In the wake of the passing of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, his youngest daughter, Ashley Laverne Jackson, is speaking out against what she calls ‘fabricated’ narratives and quotes circulating online. She’s urging the public to disregard any claims attributed to her regarding family drama during this difficult time.

    Protecting Family Peace and Privacy

    Ashley took to Instagram to clarify that she has not made any public statements about family matters since her father’s death on February 17. She emphasized her commitment to preserving her voice and peace during her grieving process. ‘Any account, blog, or outlet posting “quotes” from me is operating in bad faith–Don’t share it, and don’t believe it,’ she stated.

    She highlighted the predatory nature of weaponizing her family’s pain for social media engagement or spreading false information. ‘My family may be public-facing, but we are also human beings navigating real loss,’ Ashley wrote, emphasizing the need for privacy and dignity as they honor her father’s legacy.

    Addressing False Reports

    Reports had surfaced alleging rocky relationships within the Jackson family, including claims that Ashley and her mother were considered ‘unwanted baggage’ and that Ashley did not wish to attend her father’s private memorial service. These narratives have been firmly refuted by Ashley.

    She reiterated her current focus: ‘My focus right now is on moving through grief with privacy, showing up as a loving and supportive member of my family, and honoring my father’s life and legacy with dignity and care.’

    Public Support and Solidarity

    Social media users have largely responded with support and understanding in the comments section of Ashley’s post. Many expressed solidarity, sharing their own experiences with loss and condemning the spread of misinformation during such sensitive times. The overwhelming sentiment is one of empathy and a desire for the Jackson family to grieve in peace.

    How do you think people should approach sharing news about families experiencing loss? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson Stable, Family Clarifies Medical Condition

    The family of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson has provided a crucial update on his health, aiming to correct inaccurate reports circulating in the media. While Rev. Jackson remains hospitalized, his loved ones have confirmed that he is in stable condition and, importantly, is not on life support.

    Clarifying Medical Status

    A statement released by the family clarified, “Rev. Jackson is in stable condition and is breathing without the assistance of machines. Contrary to specific reports, he is not on life support.” This comes after reports suggested he was receiving medication to raise his blood pressure, which some sources medically considered a form of life support.

    Rev. Jackson, who has been managing Parkinson’s disease for over a decade, was admitted to the hospital last week for observation related to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). PSP is a neurodegenerative disorder that impacts body movement, walking, and balance due to nerve cell damage in the brain.

    Resuming Community Work

    Despite his ongoing medical management, Rev. Jackson is reportedly already engaging in his impactful community work. His son, Yusef Jackson, shared that his father “called for 2,000 churches to prepare 2,000 baskets of food to prevent malnutrition during the holiday season.” This demonstrates his continued dedication to the causes he champions.

    • Stable condition confirmed by family.
    • Not on life support; breathing without machines.
    • Managing Parkinson’s disease and PSP.
    • Receiving care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
    • Actively involved in community initiatives.

    The family expressed deep gratitude for the dedicated medical team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and extended “heartfelt appreciation for the many prayers and kind messages” received from the public during this time. Their update offers reassurance and highlights Rev. Jackson’s enduring spirit.

    What are your thoughts on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy and his continued activism? Share your reflections in the comments below!