Former President Barack Obama called on Americans to ‘step up’ like Jesse Jackson, at the final public tribute to the late civil rights leader, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
Obama said Jackson’s own presidential runs in the 1980s set the stage for other Black leaders, including his own successful 2009 presidency and reelection.
“We are living in a time when it can be hard to hope,” Obama said. “Each day we wake up to some new assault to our democratic institutions. Another setback to the idea of the rule of law, an offense to common decency. Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible.”
“Each day we are told by folks in high office to fear each other,” said Obama, referring to the current Republican leadership in Washington.
“But this man, Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, inspires us to take a harder path,” Obama added. “His voice calls on each of us to be heralds of change, to be messengers of hope, to step forward and say, ‘Send me,’ wherever we have a chance to make an impact.”
Obama was one of three former Democratic presidents, along with Joe Biden and Bill Clinton, who attended the service. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also attended.
Jackson died in February at age 84.
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Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. (1941-2026) was an American civil rights activist, LGBTQ rights activist, politician, and ordained Baptist minister. A protégé of Martin Luther King, Jr. and James Bevel during the civil rights movement, he became one of the most prominent civil rights leaders of the late 20th and early 21st centuries and an ardent advocate and early supporter of LGBTQ rights in the United States. A critic of police brutality, the Republican and conservative policies, he was widely regarded as one of the most influential African‑American activists of his era. From 1991 to 1997, he served as a shadow delegate and shadow senator for the District of Columbia.
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I didn't have my glasses on.... 
Given the attitude of the current administration, I fear Mr Jackson will soon be ‘written out’ of history. It’s a good idea to keep his memory alive.
Best wishes, Pete.
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we won’t let it happen, though some would like it to disappear
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An interesting tribute article, thank you for sharing, Beth
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<3 happy to do so –
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RIP Rev. Jackson — RIP. Thank you for everything
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yes <3
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An excellent message, Beth.
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<3
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Obama’s words…reverence for another amazing leader…instilling hope – much needed. Thank you, Beth. ❤️❤️❤️
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<3
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A timely message Beth
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very much so –
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from the bottom of THIS grateful heart
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<3
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He was enigmatic but resonated with a sincere love. He really did care about people in this country.
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he really did –
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Beautiful words by President Obama. 💕🙏
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this was just one piece of his tribute and it was beautiful –
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It was a beautiful speech and great tribute
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yes –
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I watched Obama’s excellent speech, which was sorely needed. We must build Jackson’s Rainbow Coalition to undo the attempts to refight the Civil War— and start moving forward once again. Thanks for this post, beth.
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Thank you for this post and thank you Rev. Jesse Jackson for all your contribution to humanity – RIP! ♥
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<3
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