I was doing work when I happened to see that Jesse Jackson had passed away. I wasn't sure if it was real news, you never know these days, so I waited a bit and saw a number of confirming reports so I believe this to be true.
I cannot say I was a fan of Jackson towards the tail ent of his activities in the Rainbow Push coalition days. I can say that my intro to Jackson was his bid for US President. It was actually quite impressive to me at the time and he ran what I considered to be a good campaign even though we, as in black folk, knew that it was unlikely he would win.
I think he knew that as well but the issues we was bringing to the race was important enough. That Jesse Jackson would be wholly dismissed by the current Democratic establishment, as would a first term Obama would be if he ran today.
I do remember him in the iconic photo from the Lorraine Hotel when MLK was shot. Big hair and all. Indeed Jackson went silent as we all must eventually. I would be remiss to not comment. A generation is leaving this earthly plane and not a few are going to go soon as well. Sounds morbid but when you get to my age, you see mortality for what it is.
He will have a place in US history not "Just" black history which is something to aspire to. No doubt eventually his likeness and words will be used to advocate for things he didn't agree with. I would hope his progeny protect him from that.
I do recall the times he told some rank truths that put him "on the outs" such as the Jewishness of NYC. The fact of who he worries about when walking down a dark street. His comments about how Obama spoke "down to" black people, though Democrats make a habit of that across the board.
I've always had my issues with the CRM and organizations that made it up. Hence why I can't make efflusive praise that are certain to come from certain corners. I can say that I respect the man to the extent that he tried to make life better for black folk not many are so disposed. For that he has my respect.
