DNC Convention Will Honor Jesse Jackson

Reverend Jesse Jackson, the acclaimed civil rights leader and former shadow Senator from DC, will receive a tribute at the Democratic National Convention on Monday.

At 82 years old, Jackson's dynamic impact on civil rights has been curtailed by Parkinson's disease, but he will be recognized at the United Center in Chicago alongside his son, Representative Jonathan Jackson.

The theme of the DNC's opening night this year is "For the People." Jackson, a disciple of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., began his activism in the 1960s with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

What We Know:

• A pivotal contributor to the SCLC's Operation Breadbasket, Jackson focused on enhancing economic opportunities for African Americans through advocacy for equitable employment and wages. Following the assassination of Dr. King in 1968, Jackson established Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971, an organization dedicated to economic empowerment, voter registration, and social justice. He continues to be a leading voice for equality, voting rights, and economic justice for marginalized communities.
• Before the DNC, progressive leaders celebrated Jackson's groundbreaking presidential campaigns from 1984 and 1988 at an event organized by The Nation and Rainbow/PUSH. Notables such as Bernie Sanders, Representatives Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters, Ro Khanna, Al Green, Pramila Jayapal, Reverend Al Sharpton, and Nina Turner were in attendance. During his tribute, Reverend Al Sharpton highlighted Jackson's pivotal role in shaping the political landscape, noting his indelible influence on the783Reverend Jesse Jackson, formerly a Shadow Senator for Washington D.C. and a distinguished activist for civil rights, will be recognized at the Democratic National Convention on Monday.
• At 82 years old, Jackson's contributions to civic engagement and social justice will be celebrated at the United Center in Chicago, where he will appear alongside his son, Representative Jonathan Jackson. The 2024 DNC kicks off on Monday with the theme "For the People." Jackson, who began his activism in the 1960s under the mentorship of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., quickly became a prominent member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
• During his time at the SCLC, Jackson led Operation Breadbasket, an initiative focused on securing better economic opportunities and fair wages for African Americans. Following the assassination of Dr. King in 1968, Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971, which advocated for economic empowerment, voter registration, and social justice. He continues to be a leading voice for equality, voting rights, and economic justice.
• Ahead of the DNC, progressive leaders convened at an event organized by The Nation and Rainbow/PUSH to commemorate Jackson's groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. Notable attendees included Bernie Sanders, Representatives Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters, Ro Khanna, Al Green, Pramila Jayapal, Reverend Al Sharpton, and Nina Turner.
• During the gathering, Reverend Al Sharpton highlighted Jackson's pivotal role in shaping the current political landscape, crediting him with paving the way for figures such as the soon-to-be-nominated Kamala Harris. Sharpton remarked, "When you see Kamala Harris on that stage this week, know that Jesse Jackson's legacy is there with her. He has laid the foundation for 'us.'
• James Zogby, who was involved in Jackson’s presidential campaigns in the 1980s, praised him for welcoming Arab Americans into the political process and advocating for Palestinian rights. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also acknowledged Jackson's influence, saying at the event, "I owe my position on the 5th floor to Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow." Tennessee Representative Justin Jones expressed his gratitude towards Jackson, noting that his presidential run in 1984 helped set the stage for the historic convention. "Our venerable leaders in the movement fought tirelessly," Jones added, "and we must not allow Project 2025 to reverse our progress."

The DNC is scheduled to take place August 19 through August 22. The convention will be in Chicago, just 90 miles south of Milwaukee, where the Republican National Convention was recently held.

How to watch the Democratic convention

The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.

The Unmuted Newsroom and NoirPlus and news outlets will livestream the convention and broadcast major speeches live.

This article was originally published at BLKALERTS.