🕊️ Civil Rights Icon Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. Dies At 84

🕊️ Civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. has passed away at 84, according to his family.

For a lot of people, he wasn’t just a name in a textbook. He was a voice that showed up when the country felt divided or uncertain.

And yes — that included New Jersey.

He wasn’t from the Garden State.

But he came here.

He spoke in Newark during moments that mattered.

He rallied in Jersey City and Trenton.

He stood with clergy, labor groups, and voter organizers across the state.

When he said “Keep Hope Alive,” that wasn’t just a national slogan. It resonated in places like Newark, Paterson, and Camden — communities pushing for jobs, fairness, and real political representation.

Nationally, his 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns changed the political landscape. He built momentum, expanded the conversation, and energized voters who felt unheard. Through Operation PUSH and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he focused on economic empowerment and civic engagement long before it became mainstream language.

But in Jersey, he showed up in person.

Not for optics.

For moments.

His passing marks the end of a significant era in civil rights leadership. His influence can still be felt in community organizing and political engagement across New Jersey today.

Jersey — did you ever see him speak here?