Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.'s Enduring Legacy Of Activism And Political Influence

The nation is mourning the loss of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., the civil rights icon, two-time presidential candidate, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and a global advocate for justice and human rights. He passed away at the age of 84, closing a chapter on more than half a century of activism that reshaped American politics and expanded the possibilities of Black political power. While much of his work was national and international, his impact was felt deeply here in the Pacific Northwest. Community activist Eddie Rye, Jr. reflects on Rev. Jackson’s life, his influence on the social and political fabric of the region, and the legacy he leaves behind. Interview by Chris B. Bennett.