‘A trailblazer’: Georgia leaders react to passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Local and state leaders are responding to the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson, who has passed away at the age of 84.

Jesse Jackson became well known in the 1960s while working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He later became one of the leading voices in the civil rights movement.

Tuesday, Sen. Raphael Warnock spoke with WTOC about the relationship between the two and Jackson’s impact on him as a black man in politics.

“Here I was a kid growing up in public housing, and I got to witness this black man running for president. He gave me a glimpse of what is possible, and he taught me how to say, ‘I am somebody.’ Reverend Jackson always centered human dignity, and he reminded us that change is not inevitable. It requires persistence. You have to be courageous. You have to be relentless, and you have to build the kind of coalition that’s necessary to move all of us forward,” said Sen. Warnock.

“His run in 1984 & 1988 changed American politics forever because not only was he pushing back against old school segregationists in a real sense, he had to stand up to allies in the Democratic Party and help them to see the ways in which their winner-take-all system in terms of delegates effectively disenfranchised Black voters and insurgent candidates like himself. And so as he pushed back even against allies, he broadened the playing field and lifted our sights and our moral imagination so that we could see what is possible. I remember that speech. For me, in many ways, Jesse Jackson’s 1988 Democratic National Convention speech is the gold standard of what you need to do in that moment. He channeled the moral sensibilities and vocabulary and spiritual power of the Black church onto the national stage and created the kind of multiracial coalition that propelled him forward and made someone like Barack Obama possible and someone like Senator Raphael Warnock. He made me possible through the work that he did...”

Senator Raphael Warnock

State Representative Carl Gilliard also released a statement, attesting to how Jackson inspired him.

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. on his passing. His departure marks the end of an era, leaving an indelible void in our nation and the global fight for justice and equality.

I am particularly moved by this news as I had the distinct honor and privilege, in 1983, to serve as the youth coordinator for his groundbreaking 1984 presidential campaign here in Atlanta. As a student at Morris Brown College at the time, this experience was truly transformative. It was through Reverend Jackson’s impassioned leadership and visionary courage that I was inspired to embrace and embark upon a path of civil rights activism and leadership. He exemplified how one individual’s conviction could awaken a movement and ignite the aspiration to run for the highest office in the United States, fundamentally altering the political landscape.

Reverend Jackson was not merely a leader; he was a trailblazer whose unwavering dedication and monumental efforts paved the way for generations. His tireless work in advocating for the marginalized, his pursuit of peace, and his historic presidential bids will forever be etched in the annals of history.

We stand today on the shoulders of giants like Reverend Jackson, individuals whose sacrifices and tireless work have profoundly shaped our world. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the entire Jackson family, as well as the vast civil rights community, as we collectively mourn this immense loss and celebrate an extraordinary life dedicated to service and justice.

Representative Carl W. Gilliard

Rev. Jackson started Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to fight for equal rights, voting access, and better economic opportunities for underserved communities.

He also ran for president in 1984 and 1988, inspiring future generations of leaders.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a vigorous defender of civil rights. For 84 years, he fought to expand and defend the rights of America’s most vulnerable populations. From marching with Doctor King to uniting marginalized communities under the Rainbow Coalition umbrella to mounting two serious bids for the Presidency in 1984 and 1988, Jackson is one of the most consequential Americans of the last 100 years. Our thoughts are with his friends and family as they mourn the loss of Rev. Jackson.

Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II

Rev. Jackson’s influence extended beyond politics. He was known for his international diplomacy efforts, advocacy for workers’ rights, and consistent calls for nonviolent social change.

America has lost one of its great moral voices. Reverend Jesse Jackson spent his life working to ensure our nation lives up to its highest ideals. From his early days as a young staffer with Dr. King onto the national stage, he fought for freedom, racial justice, equality, and for the human dignity of the marginalized and the poor. As a kid growing up in public housing while watching him run for President, Rev. Jesse Jackson gave me a glimpse of what is possible and taught me to say, “I am somebody!” As an adult, I was proud to call him a friend.

With an eloquence and rhythmic rhetoric all his own, Jesse Jackson reminded America that equal justice is not inevitable; it requires vigilance and commitment, and for freedom fighters, sacrifice. His ministry was poetry and spiritual power in the public square. He advanced King’s dream and bent the arc of history closer to justice.

My deepest condolences are with his family and to all those who were shaped by his witness. His legacy will remain beacon for generations to come, and I pray it inspires us to continue the work he started.

U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson shared the following statement, reflecting on meeting Rev. Jackson.

I was blessed to meet Rev. Jesse Jackson as a Savannah State University. Because of him doors were opened. Because of his courage, voices were heard.

Because of his faith, a generation learned that leadership is service and that progress requires persistence. Because of him, I will keep hope alive and I know that I am somebody!

Savannah Major Van Johnson

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff released the following statement as well:

I join in mourning the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson and send my sincere condolences to the Jackson family.

A trailblazer, Reverend Jackson dedicated his life to justice and progress. The State of Georgia and the United States are better thanks to his civic and faith leadership.

May his memory be a blessing.

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff

President Trump shared the following message on Truth Social following Rev. Jackson’s passing.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson is Dead at 84. I knew him well, long before becoming President. He was a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and “street smarts.” He was very gregarious - Someone who truly loved people! Despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left, Democrats ALL, it was always my pleasure to help Jesse along the way. I provided office space for him and his Rainbow Coalition, for years, in the Trump Building at 40 Wall Street; Responded to his request for help in getting CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM passed and signed, when no other President would even try; Single handedly pushed and passed long term funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), which Jesse loved, but also, which other Presidents would not do; Responded to Jesse’s support for Opportunity Zones, the single most successful economic development package yet approved for Black business men/women, and much more. Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him. He had much to do with the Election, without acknowledgment or credit, of Barack Hussein Obama, a man who Jesse could not stand. He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed! President DONALD J. TRUMP

President Donald J. Trump