Statement on the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson
From all members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderman Alex Brower, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Lamont Westmoreland, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman DiAndre Jackson, Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, Alderwoman Sharlen P. Moore, Alderman Peter Burgelis, Alderman Scott Spiker, and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic February 18, 2026
We join the many across the country mourning the loss of the great Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of the rare few people who earned the right to be called a generational leader. From his time with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through his barrier-breaking run for the presidency, and starting Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, he lived a life committed to justice, freedom, and affirming the dignity that rests in every person.
He also made a significant local impact, marching alongside local leaders to support fair housing, leading rallies against regressive Wisconsin voter ID laws, and galvanizing the community and demanding transparency when issues of police misconduct arose against marginalized communities in Milwaukee. For his unwavering dedication to our community and others, we are forever grateful.
He deserves an enormous debt of gratitude for not only for inspiring Black people to stand up and be proud of who they are, but also encouraging them to run for public office. In both 1984 and 1988, he became just the second Black person to run for president, unleashing a title wave of enthusiasm for Black people to seek political office. That enthusiasm still exists to this day and is evidenced by our diverse Common Council. His impact can’t be overstated.
While we mourn his loss, we believe he would have wanted us to reaffirm our commitment to the causes that were vital to his life’s work, so that this work does not pass with him, but rather lives on stronger than ever.
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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