2 of 6

Yes

Write now Article Tools

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is the kind of man that many people love to hate and he thrives on it. He is a bigger than life personality (a nuisance to some) who will not go away or be diminished. Even his failures (and they have mounted up in recent years) haven't put a stop to his train, although they have slowed him down a bit.

Born in the deep south to a single mother when race relations were very poor (1941) there wasn't a lot of impetus to catapult Jesse into international recognition. To say he was suppressed would be an understatement. In those days he couldn't even choose which part of the bus to ride on. Water fountains, loos and restaurants were constant reminders that he was black and therefore scorned by the white culture that surrounded him.

Not one to be kowtowed or brow beaten Jesse fought back and he is one tenacious fellow. Naturally endowed with a strong sense of confidence he never comfortably wore the "Uncle Tom" suit and he didn't get along very well with those who could. He has a long history of gravitating to social injustice, particularly of the racial kind, bulldozing anyone who happens to be in the way and making lots of noise until everyone takes notice. Jesse epitomizes the old adage, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." It is not a pleasant job but he seems well suited for it and, as they say, someone has to do it.

To his credit, Jesse also knows how to flex. As racial imbalances adjusted Jesse moderated his approach. He went from addressing solely racial issues to tackling any situation he considered to represent social injustice and his list of accomplishments and activities are long. "Keep Hope Alive Radio" describes Jesse and some of his credits.

* As a diplomat Jesse has negotiated the release of captives held in Syria, Cuba, Kuwait, Iraq and Kosovo.

* In 1997 Bill Clinton appointed him as "Special Envoy of the President and Secretary of State for the Promotion of Democracy in Africa."

* He was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 2000.

* He has led, by invitation, two of the largest marches in the world both taking place in London (1985 against Apartheid and 2003 opposing the invasion of Iraq) not to mention the many other marches he led and organized.

* Over the past twenty years, he has frequently been in the top ten of Gallup's list of the Most Respected Americans.

* He is a recipient of the NAACP Spingarn Award and has received honors from many other grassroots and community organizations.

* He has been awarded over 40 honorary doctorates.

*

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Does Rev. Jesse Jackson truly represent the needs of African-Americans??
We want to hear your view. Write now!