Jesse Jackson Sr. died Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 84 after a long illness. The Civil Rights Movement icon’s storied career included working with Martin Luther King Jr., making two presidential runs and leading civil rights organizations, including the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Jackson Sr. also visited Flossmoor twice in May 2019 as the community wrestled with the fallout of a video showing Homewood-Flossmoor High School students in blackface taunting a Black fast food worker.
His message during those public forums emphasized peace and forgiveness as responses to racial hate.
He was a panelist at a community forum held at H-F High that included students and District 233 administrators.
“Hate blinds, anger paralyzes. They limit your ability to respond. We learn from crises. How you respond is a measure of your character,” he said at the time.
He also spoke at a community meeting held at Flossmoor Community Church that brought residents and community leaders of all ages together to discuss the issue.
“If you plant two seeds in the ground and put a wall between them, one will be tall and full of fruit, while the other one will be short and stocky. It doesn’t mean that the small one is lesser, but that the seed that gets the light blossoms,” he said. “When we put up walls, we cannot all share the sunlight. Ignorance, fear, hatred, violence. These things stunt us. This is why walls must come down.”
A number of area elected officials have released statements on Jackson’s death.
Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson
“I never got the opportunity to collaborate with (Jesse Jackson Sr.), but I’m thankful to live in a world that was positively impacted by his work. I’ve really enjoyed reading social media posts about his ties to a few Southland and Flossmoor residents whom I greatly admire. Their ongoing work to continue to uplift and create opportunities for others is part of his legacy of greatness that will live on.”
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly
“Rev. Jesse Jackson showed us what it means to keep hope alive. His faith, courage and lifelong fight for justice will forever impact our country and future generations. Now, his legacy lives through every one of us who stands on his shoulders, and his work continues through his organizations like Rainbow PUSH. In Chicago, Rainbow PUSH brought our community closer together and served as a voice for the voiceless. I am honored to have called Rev. Jackson a friend, supporter, and constituent. May he forever rest in power.”
(Kelly is running for the U.S. Senate.)
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller
“My deepest condolences go out to Rev. Jesse Jackson’s family. No one is ever prepared for such a loss. My family will miss him. The nation will miss him. The world will miss him. More than ever, we need to ‘keep hope alive.'”
(Miller is running for the 2nd District seat in Congress.)
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Yumeka Brown
“Rest in heavenly peace, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. May you now dwell in eternal peace and rest in the presence of the Lord. Thank you for your lifelong dedication to serving humanity and for the countless lives you touched through your faith, courage, and compassion. Your legacy of love and justice will continue to inspire generations to come.
“My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the entire family and to all who knew and loved him. May God comfort you during this time of loss.”
(Brown is running for the 2nd District seat in Congress.)
State Sen. Willie Preston
“The world grieves the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. but nowhere as much as in Black America and in Chicago: Our people have lost our reverend.
“As a boy his example told me that ‘I AM somebody.’ When I had the privilege to meet him as a young activist, he encouraged all of us to speak truth to the mighty powers that corrupt and oppress us — and without compromise.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family as their father goes to Glory. I mourn the passing of Rev. Jackson. We must honor him by fighting forever for his values.”
(Preston is running for the 2nd District seat in Congress.)
State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin
“Today we lost a man who dedicated his life to pushing for a better future for all of us. A trailblazer who wasn’t afraid to stand up to injustice. A valuable connection to Dr. King and those marches that still resonate today.
“But as we come together to reflect, today reminds us not what we have lost, but what we have collectively gained thanks to the life of Rev. Jesse Jackson. With the strength of a single voice, he helped millions be heard. Tackling hate head on, he worked every day to overcome injustice, create opportunity and uplift communities. His presence in Illinois serving as a reminder of how far we have come, and how much further we have to go. Rev. Jackson believed in a better America. It’s on all of us to continue his journey.
“My thoughts are with Rev. Jackson’s family, those closest to him and everyone who was ever touched by his beautiful life.”
