A spirited congregation, invited by the National Action Network, rallied inside Harlem’s historic Mother AME Zion Church last Saturday to pay tribute to Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., who died in Chicago, Illinois, on Feb. 17 at age 84.
It was Rev. Al Sharpton, the founder of the activist organization, who issued a public call to assemble, venerate, and honor the legacy of the Civil Rights icon.
A protege of the iconic leader, Rev. Sharpton, was also a friend who collaborated and commiserated with the international ambassador.
The two met when the latter was only 12.
At the time, the southern aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was 25.
A protege of the iconic leader, Rev. Sharpton, was also a friend who collaborated and commiserated with the international ambassador.
The two met when the latter was only 12.
At the time, the southern aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was 25.
Although their paths read like a father/son fable, the two have amassed irrefutable reputations for defending the rights of underclass citizens throughout the nation.
Perhaps the fact that Rev. Jackson suggested naming the NAN headquarters the House of Justice factored into the decision to call for a worthy tribute for the weekly community soapbox.
Perhaps the fact that Rev. Jackson suggested naming the NAN headquarters the House of Justice factored into the decision to call for a worthy tribute for the weekly community soapbox.
However, the setting was not as usual.
Instead of preaching to a choir at the usual uptown location, Rev. Sharpton directed villagers and colleagues to another historic landmark, which was already serving as a temporary, transitional platform during Black History Month.
Instead of preaching to a choir at the usual uptown location, Rev. Sharpton directed villagers and colleagues to another historic landmark, which was already serving as a temporary, transitional platform during Black History Month.
It was two centuries and a quarter ago that the beginning of a storied existence of the institution was where the first farewell to a deserving American was convened.
But that’s another story.
But that’s another story.
More relevant to this column is that the responders to the hurried proposition included Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Attorney General Letitia James, actor/director Spike Lee, members of the clergy, City Council members, and Congress. Adriano de Jesus Espaillat, Rev. Dennis Dillon, Rev.
Herbert Daughtry, former Bronx borough president Ruben Diaz, veteran local politicians, and regular members of NAN.
With limited time as a premium, most guests were unable to deliver platitudes.
With limited time as a premium, most guests were unable to deliver platitudes.
However, they showed up to pay their respects to one of the Civil Rights Movement’s inspirational visionaries.
In fact, they joined legions of social media viewers, radio listeners, and sympathizers for a two-hour tribute/salute which resonated as a national expression of gratitude for service.
There was no solemnity to the occasion.
No gnashing of teeth.
In fact, they joined legions of social media viewers, radio listeners, and sympathizers for a two-hour tribute/salute which resonated as a national expression of gratitude for service.
There was no solemnity to the occasion.
No gnashing of teeth.
Anyone expecting a parody of the “I am somebody” mantra was denied the opportunity to echo it.
The telling words did not repeat.
The telling words did not repeat.
But there were multitudes in attendance who yearned to testify about the impact of Rev. Jackson’s message of identification.
Blacks in particular often express gratitude for being distinguished by the empowering words.
Apparently, the confidence-building technique emboldened individuals, a community, and a global audience.
Blacks in particular often express gratitude for being distinguished by the empowering words.
Apparently, the confidence-building technique emboldened individuals, a community, and a global audience.
Followed by advice to adversaries, the loud admission declared: “Respect me, protect me, and never neglect me.”
And while lamentations prevailed throughout the pews and platform, there was an absence of acrimony inside the tabernacle.
And while lamentations prevailed throughout the pews and platform, there was an absence of acrimony inside the tabernacle.
“Our world is colder today,” the mayor said, “because the man who holds the quilt” is gone.
“I would not be standing here had it not been for Rev. Jackson.
I am part of the quilt.”
“I would not be standing here had it not been for Rev. Jackson.
I am part of the quilt.”
One month after his ceremonious installation as the highest-ranking official in New York City, Mayor Mamdani reflected on a legacy that began decades before he was born.
PA Wiliams doled out platitudes too many to list.
PA Wiliams doled out platitudes too many to list.
And AG James briefly spoke of a “moral clarity” Rev. Jackson demonstrated.
She devoted much of her time to rebuking Washington politicians who denied the deceased a national honorarium.
And with grace and style, the defender of justice punctuated her obituary by yielding time to others.
She devoted much of her time to rebuking Washington politicians who denied the deceased a national honorarium.
And with grace and style, the defender of justice punctuated her obituary by yielding time to others.
Others retraced nostalgic interactions with the activist/pastor whose legacy is marked by monumental accomplishments.
Bonita Vann talked about the year her father, former Brooklyn Assemblyman Al Vann, chaired a campaign to elect Rev. Jackson to the presidency.
In 1984, together they coined an endearing mantra encouraging the Democratic candidate to “Run Jesse Run.”
Bonita Vann talked about the year her father, former Brooklyn Assemblyman Al Vann, chaired a campaign to elect Rev. Jackson to the presidency.
In 1984, together they coined an endearing mantra encouraging the Democratic candidate to “Run Jesse Run.”
Indelibly imprinted for perpetuity, the midwesterner was not deterred by that initial setback; his aspirations intensified and manifested through the next presidential campaign cycle in 1988.
Although Rev. Jackson did not win enough delegates for party representation, according to Rev. Sharpton, the mission of his ally/friend effected change in American politics through the implementation of proportional delegate apportionment.
He also attributed Rev. Jackson’s persistence to paving a way for the election of Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States.
Intermittently, Rev. Sharpton injected reminders that may or may not find prominence in commercial news reports.
Intermittently, Rev. Sharpton injected reminders that may or may not find prominence in commercial news reports.
“Hope does not stay alive without neighbors standing together,” summarized a statement he voiced.
Unlike a Saturday rally or Sunday sermon, the weekend honorarium proved a fitting ceremonial State of the Union address from New Yorkers.
Energized by each reminder, the SRO crowd seemed to concur with every praise.
And a choir added gospel to the accolades lavished for the role the father played in securing the release of captive Air Force pilot Robert Goodman; that he was the youngest aide present in 1968 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, or that on his last visit to this city, Rev. Jackson shook the hands of every cook employed at Sylvia’s Soul Food restaurant.
Unlike a Saturday rally or Sunday sermon, the weekend honorarium proved a fitting ceremonial State of the Union address from New Yorkers.
Energized by each reminder, the SRO crowd seemed to concur with every praise.
And a choir added gospel to the accolades lavished for the role the father played in securing the release of captive Air Force pilot Robert Goodman; that he was the youngest aide present in 1968 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, or that on his last visit to this city, Rev. Jackson shook the hands of every cook employed at Sylvia’s Soul Food restaurant.
Neither was it overlooked that the mentor established Operation Breadbasket in order to promote his own agenda.
Ultimately, the organization evolved, becoming a Rainbow Coalition with a purposeful intention of uniting a diverse national grouping he tagged People United To Save Humanity.
Shepherds of Rev. Jackson’s ideology will not soon forget how he galvanized support for bringing South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela to New York City in 1989.
Ultimately, the organization evolved, becoming a Rainbow Coalition with a purposeful intention of uniting a diverse national grouping he tagged People United To Save Humanity.
Shepherds of Rev. Jackson’s ideology will not soon forget how he galvanized support for bringing South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela to New York City in 1989.
Along with the first-elected Black Mayor David N. Dinkins, whose advocacy proposed similar aspirations for “a gorgeous mosaic,” they successfully secured Mandela’s stay with his wife, Winnie, at Gracie Mansion.
The couple’s memorable visit encompassed significant stops at Yankee Stadium, City Hall, Brooklyn, and Harlem.
The couple’s memorable visit encompassed significant stops at Yankee Stadium, City Hall, Brooklyn, and Harlem.
Because the NY preacher is acclaimed for adding jocular recall to serious situations, his recent address was no different.
Another revealing presence introduced Jenny Jones, the daughter of Rev. William Jones.
Another revealing presence introduced Jenny Jones, the daughter of Rev. William Jones.
Her appearance assured a relationship that Rev. Sharpton often acknowledges, referring to a religious guide who is regularly credited with steering his 12-year-old ambitions toward adult prominence.
Those familiar with Rev. Sharpton’s testimonies must have realized that the absence of any relative of the highly regarded pastor of Bethany Baptist Church would have raised eyebrows.
In his inimitable delivery, Rev. Sharpton also weaved accolades to former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.
Widely credited for being “unbought” and “unbossed” and the first of her race to boldly challenge the political system by running for president, the Brooklyn trailblazer was heralded.
In his inimitable delivery, Rev. Sharpton also weaved accolades to former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.
Widely credited for being “unbought” and “unbossed” and the first of her race to boldly challenge the political system by running for president, the Brooklyn trailblazer was heralded.
Two employees who followed a similar career path of serving the state were also hailed with mentions of former Assemblywoman Ada Laverne Smith and former City Clerk and Brooklyn Councilman Victor Robles.
According to the MSNow PoliticsNation weekend TV host and avowed activist/preacher, their names represent city and state civil servants who allowed him access to prestigious Black politicians of the era, whom he might otherwise not have been able to engage.
It goes without saying that Assemblyman Roger Greene was named among the benevolent representatives.
However, following each named notable, the focus returned to time-honored occasions Rev’ spent alongside the champion he met in his pre-teen years.
Rev. Sharpton was forthright in detailing personal interactions with the Chicago resident.
However, following each named notable, the focus returned to time-honored occasions Rev’ spent alongside the champion he met in his pre-teen years.
Rev. Sharpton was forthright in detailing personal interactions with the Chicago resident.
Apparently, in addition to being a father figure, Rev. Jackson also served as godfather to both Rev. Sharpton’s daughters, Dominique and Ashley.
With limited time to reminisce, Rev. Sharpton indulged guests by recalling that after serving dinner to the homeless at NAN headquarters, accompanied by the offspring, they would board a plane to spend the past two Christmases with Rev. Jackson and family at his Illinois home.
With limited time to reminisce, Rev. Sharpton indulged guests by recalling that after serving dinner to the homeless at NAN headquarters, accompanied by the offspring, they would board a plane to spend the past two Christmases with Rev. Jackson and family at his Illinois home.
Inside the sacred space, Rev. Sharpton also cited the irony of hosting the joyous tribute at the Christian place of worship.
In an effort to remind radio listeners, social media viewers, and a packed audience of the historical significance of the occasion, he said previous speakers from the podium had included author Frederick Douglass, abolitionist Sojourner Truth, actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson, and other Black trailblazers.
In an effort to remind radio listeners, social media viewers, and a packed audience of the historical significance of the occasion, he said previous speakers from the podium had included author Frederick Douglass, abolitionist Sojourner Truth, actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson, and other Black trailblazers.
Additionally, its landmark status remains significant as the homegoing site of Madame C.J. Walker, the reputed first Black millionaire.
Incidentally, while delivering an informative monologue, the convener also underlined that the choice in Harlem was the last place the two-time Democratic presidential candidate appeared in New York.
Incidentally, while delivering an informative monologue, the convener also underlined that the choice in Harlem was the last place the two-time Democratic presidential candidate appeared in New York.
“Jesse, we won’t let you down.
Jesse, we won’t give in.
Jesse, we won’t give up.
We will keep hope alive.”
“And when we finally get to the mountain top, it will be because Jesse Jackson kept hope alive.”
Jesse, we won’t give in.
Jesse, we won’t give up.
We will keep hope alive.”
“And when we finally get to the mountain top, it will be because Jesse Jackson kept hope alive.”
Republican Mike Johnson denies Jackson family request
A request by the family of Rev. Jesse Jackson to grant permission for the Civil Rights advocate to lie in state at the Capitol was denied by Republican Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House.
The reason given for rejecting the privilege is that the courtesy is extended only to government officials. Further explanation purports to identify a few exceptions to the hard-and-fast rule.
“Disgraceful” is how New York Attorney General Letitia James described the decision.
Given his contribution to enhancing the lives of Americans, AG James said she assumed Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson would be afforded the national tradition.
Given his contribution to enhancing the lives of Americans, AG James said she assumed Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson would be afforded the national tradition.
It must be noted that evangelist Billy Graham and Civil Rights matriarch Rosa Parks were honored by the national exhibition.
Reportedly, a request by the family of Republican Charlie Kirk was also rejected.
NAN’s tribute marked the first of three memorials slated for Rev. Jackson; another in Chicago, Illinois, and another in his birthplace of South Carolina are pending.Catch You On the Inside!
Reportedly, a request by the family of Republican Charlie Kirk was also rejected.
NAN’s tribute marked the first of three memorials slated for Rev. Jackson; another in Chicago, Illinois, and another in his birthplace of South Carolina are pending.Catch You On the Inside!
