Ta Lese Morrow, Publisher, Inland Valley News
Upland, CA — There are some names that echo beyond generations. The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson is one of them.
Rev. Jackson lived at the crossroads of faith, justice, politics, and possibility. He was a civil rights leader, but also so much more. He was a movement builder, a purveyor of truth, and a passionate advocate for people and issues often left out and overlooked.
Rev. Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina. He would grow up to become one of the most prominent moral voices in modern American history. A direct disciple of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson worked tirelessly to continue the work of the Civil Rights Movement through words and action.
By creating the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Jackson developed a new forum to emphasize economic development, civic participation, and social justice. With PUSH – an acronym that stands for People United to Save Humanity – he told corporations and officials that the principle of diversity, the practice of fairness, and the reality of equal access to opportunity were not voluntary – they were moral.
In 1984 and again in 1988, Rev. Jackson ran for President of the United States, becoming the first Black man in American history to mount a serious national campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. It wasn’t a symbolic run; it was a structural run. It was a civil rights run. It registered millions of voters, opened doors, dramatically changed the electoral map, and brought millions of Black and poor voters into the electoral mainstream.
His message was bold yet inclusive: “If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it then I can achieve it.”
He wasn’t just about preaching from the podium or making his case for change in the corridors of power. He showed up at strike tents and sit-ins. He advised governments in hostage negotiations in Europe and Africa. He marched for voting rights and in economic boycotts to challenge corporate conduct. He recognized that change would require pressure. And he understood too that we need a clearer vision of what we can achieve together to keep hope alive.
His work is resonating here in the Inland Valley and across the country. Every time a young person thinks they can dream bigger than anyone says they should, every time a community rises up for equality and justice in the systems that serve all Americans, every time faith leaders engage in the public sector for the common good — Rev. Jackson’s spirit lives on.
Today, as journalism itself is under attack, as facts are treated as fiction and as social justice movements for marginalized communities are under siege, it feels more relevant than ever to think about the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson. He did not cede to criticism. He did not fold under pressure. He did not back down when the political stakes became personal and the intimidation and harassment began. He moved forward instead.
And he pressed forward publicly.
We honor and remember Mr. Floyd in the context of our work at IVN. We believe that what we do here is part of a long line of journalists and citizens who speak out on behalf of their communities, for social justice and for democracy itself — a democracy that includes us all.
Rev. Jackson keeps reminding us that voting, civic and economic engagement and faith in action matters.
Most importantly, dignity matters.
When I think of his life and legacy I’m reminded that progress is not an accident or a natural occurrence; it is organized and strategic. Moreover, for meaningful change to occur, it has to be championed by people willing to do the heavy lifting in very uncomfortable places.
Rev. Jesse Jackson stood there — repeatedly.
His voice will one day be quieter. But the roads he paved, the doors he burst open, his audacity will all remain long after his voice stops being heard.
And now, the question is ours: Will we continue the work?
In remembrance and reflection, the Inland Valley News honors Rev. Jesse Jackson — not only for what he accomplished, but for what he dared to imagine.
