Jesse Jackson

Date of Birth: October 8, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. is an American civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and politician. Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose to prominence in the 1960s as a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He played a crucial role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1971, Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), which aimed to improve the economic conditions of African Americans. Later, in 1984, he founded the National Rainbow Coalition, which sought to advocate for social justice, civil rights, and political activism. These two organizations eventually merged to form the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, a powerful entity in the fight for equality. Jackson has also been a prominent political figure, running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. Although he did not win, his campaigns were historic, breaking barriers for African Americans in politics. Throughout his career, Jackson has been a vocal advocate for various social issues, including education, health care, and economic justice.

5 Interesting Facts about Jesse Jackson

1. Jesse Jackson was present with Martin Luther King Jr. when King was assassinated in 1968.

2. He was the first African American to make a serious bid for the U.S. presidency, running in 1984 and 1988.

3. Jackson successfully negotiated the release of hostages in several international incidents, including in Syria and Iraq.

4. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, in 2000.

5. Jackson has been an ordained Baptist minister since 1968 and continues to preach and advocate for social justice.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jesse Jackson

1. “At the end of the day, we must go forward with hope and not backward by fear and division.”

2. “Leadership has a harder job to do than just choose sides. It must bring sides together.”

3. “If my mind can conceive it, my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it.”

4. “In politics, an organized minority is a political majority.”

5. “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Jesse Jackson is estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Jesse Jackson has five children: 1. Santita Jackson – A singer and political commentator. 2. Jesse Jackson Jr. – A former U.S. Congressman. 3. Jonathan Jackson – A businessman and activist. 4. Yusef DuBois Jackson – A lawyer. 5. Jacqueline Lavinia Jackson – A professor and writer.