Representative Shelia Stubbs Mourns the Passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
MADISON, WI- Today, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., a monumental figure in the American Civil Rights movement, Baptist minister, community organizer, and Shadow Delegate and Shadow Senator for the District of Columbia, passed away at the age of 84 years old. Representative Shelia Stubbs released the following statement:
“My heart and my prayers are with the family, friends, and community of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., who sadly passed away earlier today.
Reverend Jackson will be forever known for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, his ministry, and his service as Shadow Delegate and Shadow Senator for the District of Columbia.
I had the honor of becoming personally acquainted with Reverend Jackson during my career of public service. As the Former Chair of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus, I met with Reverend Jackson and his team numerous times after Mr. George Floyd was killed and Mr. Jacob Blake was shot in Kenosha, Wisconsin. During a very difficult time in our state and across our country, Reverend Jackson and his team were instrumental in providing support and guidance.
While serving as Co-Chair of the Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Racial Disparities, I remained in contact with Reverend Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition as I worked to develop bipartisan policy recommendations to alleviate racial disparities in our state and promote greater transparency, accountability, and uniformity in Wisconsin policing practices.
Reverend Jackson dedicated his life to the pursuit of equity, social justice, and civil rights. He marched with Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., initiated nationwide voter registration efforts that resulted in millions of new voters being registered, and continuously advocated for human rights both in the United States and abroad. By founding People United to Save Humanity, or PUSH, Reverend Jackson worked with African American communities across the country to improve their socioeconomic standing.
Reverend Jackson leaves behind an incomparable legacy of work over more than six decades of fighting systemic injustices, championing equity, and uplifting the voices of the unheard. Though he faced many challenges and adversity throughout his career, Reverend Jackson demonstrated great strength and resolve, remarking ‘At the end of the day, we must go forward with hope and not backward by fear and division.’
Reverend Jackson’s unending drive for lasting positive social change will remain an inspiration for generations of leaders to come. It was an honor and privilege to have known him, and my condolences remain with his loved ones.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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