MCCR Statement on the Passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Updated:
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights mourns the passing of the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and one of the most influential moral leaders of our time.
Rev. Jackson devoted his life to the pursuit of justice, equity, and human dignity. As a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and later as a leader in his own right, he carried forward the unfinished work of the movement, challenging systems of inequality, amplifying the voices of the marginalized, and demanding that America live up to its highest ideals.
From the founding of Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition to his advocacy for voting rights, economic empowerment, fair housing, and international human rights, Rev. Jackson’s impact transcends generations. He taught us that civil rights is not a chapter in history, but a continuous call to action.
Rev. Jackson reminded the nation that progress is not inevitable, it must be fought for, protected, and expanded. His voice was prophetic, his presence commanding, and his commitment unwavering. He believed deeply in the power of collective struggle and in the sacred worth of every human being.
At MCCR, we honor his legacy by recommitting ourselves to the work he championed – ensuring fairness in housing, employment, education, and public accommodations, and standing firmly against discrimination in all its forms.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Jackson family and to all who were inspired by his life and leadership. May we continue to be guided by his example, his courage, and his enduring call for justice.
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. showed us how to bend the arc toward justice. It is now our responsibility to keep bending it.
Cleveland L. Horton II, Executive Director