Statement on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

Today, we pause to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Jesse Jackson —civil rights leader,  pastor, patriot, presidential candidate, and one of the most consequential political trailblazers of the modern Democratic Party.

On behalf of the Redefining Freedom Center of Virginia, and in my capacity as Chairman and CEO, I offer heartfelt condolences to his beloved family — including my dear friends Santita Jackson and Jesse Jackson Jr. — and to the millions of Americans whose lives were touched by his ministry and moral courage.

I had the honor of meeting Reverend Jackson many times over the years. He was larger than life — not simply in presence, but in purpose. He understood that democracy is not self-executing. It must be demanded, defended, and expanded.

Rev. Jackson’s presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 did more than make history — they reshaped the coalition politics of the Democratic Party and proved that Black leadership on the national stage was not aspirational, but inevitable. He helped widen the door through which Barack Obama would walk in 2008, and through which Kamala Harris would ascend as the first woman and first Black and South Asian Vice President of the United States in 2020.

Here in Virginia, his advocacy and organizing strength were instrumental in helping elect Douglas Wilder first as Lieutenant Governor in 1986 and then as Governor in 1989 — the first Black governor in American history. That victory did not happen in a vacuum. It was built upon the moral infrastructure that leaders like Rev. Jackson had constructed through decades of sacrifice.

He believed in the audacity of hope long before it became a slogan. He believed in expanding the tent of American democracy. And he believed that patriotism meant holding America accountable to its highest ideals.

Rev. Jackson was imperfect, as all leaders are. But he was fearless in insisting that this nation live up to its founding promise — that liberty and justice must extend to every citizen.

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we would do well to remember that freedom in this country has never been static. It has always required voices willing to challenge the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. was one of those voices.

May he rest in power.
May we carry forward the work.
And may America continue the long journey toward the more perfect union he spent his life striving to build.

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Sophia A. Nelson
Chairman & CEO
Redefining Freedom Center of Virginia