World mourns civil rights icon Rev Jesse Jackson

THE world is mourning the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon in the US and elsewhere, who died on Tuesday at age 84.

- SUNDAY TRIBUNE REPORTER and THE WASHINGTON POST

Jackson became the leader of the US Civil Rights Movement after the assassination of Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, in 1968, and enhanced his voice for equality by running for president in 1984 and 1988. He was a global advocate for racial equality and voting rights, and for access to healthcare and education. Two of his five children went on to serve in the US Congress.

“Rev Jackson leaves a lasting legacy and a roadmap for current and future leaders to follow,” said Rev Elder Cecilia Eggleston, moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches worldwide.

“His tireless determination to advance racial equality in the United States was matched only by his passion for serving all underprivileged and disenfranchised communities. Our clergy and congregations around the world celebrate his legacy while grieving this great loss.”

“The American people today mourn the loss of a Civil Rights icon,” said MCC Elder Hattie Alexander-Key.

“Rev Jessie Jackson fought for all of the disadvantaged, displaced, despised and downtrodden people. From Montgomery to the Rainbow Coalition, his aim was to encourage America to keep the promise of liberty and justice for all.”

“He was a towering figure,” said Civil Rights Movement veteran Darryl Walker, a longtime member of MCC of Washington, DC. “I admired his commitment to doing the work of justice for all people. Some people would do interviews on the news. Jesse Jackson would go where others wouldn’t go. He would always just show up.”