Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson is a civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and politician known for his two bids for the U.S. presidency.
Civil Rights Figure
October 8, 1941
Libra
83
Greenville, South Carolina
Jesse Jackson, an influential American civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and politician, was born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina. He rose to prominence as a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and made history as one of the first African Americans to run for the U.S. presidency. His groundbreaking campaigns for the Democratic Party’s nomination in 1983-84 and 1987-88 paved the way for future African American candidates.
As the founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Jackson has been a prominent voice for social justice, advocating for the rights of African Americans and other marginalized groups. His activism has made a lasting impact on American society. In addition to his work in civil rights, Jackson has served as a shadow U.S. Senator for the District of Columbia, representing the interests and rights of its residents.
Some of Jackson’s other notable achievements include negotiating the release of American hostages in Syria during the Syrian Civil War, advocating for the global fight against HIV/AIDS, and inspiring numerous activists and leaders through his mentorship and leadership. Throughout his career, Jackson has remained an influential figure in the fight for civil rights and equality, using his platform to address systemic racism and inequality.