Operation Black Vote joins millions across the world in mourning the passing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr, a towering figure in the global struggle for civil rights, human rights, anti-racism and human dignity. He was a legend in his own lifetime - a leader whose name, voice and moral authority was recognised not just across the United States, but across continents, movements and generations.
Reverend Jackson’s life was a testament to courage, faith and relentless commitment to justice. From his early days working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, to his leadership of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, to his historic presidential campaigns, he embodied the spirit of struggle and possibility. He helped to shape a generation of leaders including figures such as Reverend Al Sharpton and served as a moral compass to presidents, governments and movements across the world.
His attempts to win the presidency of the United States on two occasions were seismic moments in American political history. They demonstrated to the United States and to the world, that a Black candidate could be a serious, credible contender for the highest office in the land. In many ways, those campaigns helped to lay the political and psychological groundwork for the election of the first Black president, Barack Obama.
When President Obama was sworn into office, Reverend Jackson was visibly moved, weeping openly during the ceremony - a powerful and emotional testament to the decades of struggle, sacrifice and hope that had gone into making that moment possible. No one should underestimate the significance of his presidential runs in opening the path to that historic achievement.
His influence extended far beyond American politics. He was a global statesman of conscience negotiating hostage releases, speaking truth to power and championing human rights wherever injustice appeared. His leadership was rooted in faith, but expressed through action whether in the streets, the halls of government or on the international stage.
Here in the United Kingdom, we were privileged to know him not only as an icon, but as a partner, an ally and a friend. Long before the creation of Operation Black Vote, Reverend Jackson worked with and inspired the organisations that would form the backbone of our movement, including the National Black Caucus and the 1990 Trust. His visits to the UK were moments of energy, hope and mobilisation for Black communities across the country.
For many of us, those encounters were deeply personal. I had the honour of spending time with him on several occasions including driving him from London to Bristol to a public meeting we convened, listening as he reflected on his life, his calling, his advice on human rights leadership and the struggles that shaped his mission.
We were privileged to take him to communities across the country, including my father’s church in Nottingham on two occasions, where he spoke to congregations and inspired countless individuals with his words and his presence. Wherever he went, he lifted spirits, strengthened resolve, and reminded people of their worth and their power.
Reverend Jackson’s passing marks the loss of a giant of our times. Yet his legacy is indelible. His work helped to reshape the moral and political landscape of America and influenced movements for justice around the world. The full measure of his impact will continue to unfold for generations to come, because his life created a template for leadership rooted in equality, equity, fairness, and justice.
On behalf of Operation Black Vote - and on behalf of the many organisations and activists who walked this path before our formation, including the National Black Caucus, the 1990 Trust and countless community groups across the UK - we offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Mrs. Jackson, to his family, his colleagues and to those close to him.
Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr rest in eternal and beautiful peace. Your voice, courage and your vision will never be forgotten.
David Weaver (Chair): on behalf of Operation Black Vote
