Jesse Louis Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, but folks in these parts claim him as a native son because he graduated from N.C. A&T State University. In fact, Jackson will tell you that he found himself at A&T, where he was a star football player, student body president, and leader of a movement to integrate public facilities and businesses in Greensboro.
Jackson went to work with Dr. Martin Luther King in 1965 and, in 1967, took over the Chicago-based “Operation Bread Basket,” where he was successful in persuading area companies to hire minorities. He became an ordained minister following Dr. King’s assassination, then founded Operation P.U.S.H. (People United to Serve Humanity) in 1971. He organized the Rainbow Coalition in 1984, and merged the two groups in 1996. Rev. Jackson ran for president in 1984 and again in 1988 (winning an astounding 13 primaries that year), and over the years, he has been instrumental in freeing scores of hostages from foreign adversaries.
For the better part of seven decades, Jackson used his voice to speak for underrepresented populations and to advocate for improved access to healthcare and employment. He also opened doors for people of color to run for and win elected office. Affected by the ravages of Parkinson’s over the past 10 years, Jackson’s voice grew softer, but there was still power in his words. Jesse Jackson passed away in the early morning of February 17. He was 84 years old.
In May of 2018, I had the honor and privilege to spend time with Rev. Jackson when he appeared on my Triad Today television show. He was in Greensboro to deliver the baccalaureate address at Bennett College, a contingent from which filled the ABC45 studio to watch our interview being recorded. On that day, Rev. Jackson was greeted like a rock star by a large, enthusiastic, and mostly female studio audience. He stopped to shake hands and have photos taken with everyone, and gave my wife Pam a big hug before ascending to the stage. I asked him, “What IS it with you and women?” “We have an understanding,” he replied with a smile.
Jackson was 76 years old then, and Parkinson’s had slowed his stride and softened his once booming voice, but his words were still filled with the fervor of a man on a mission of economic empowerment and racial unity. During our 25-minute conversation, Rev. Jackson talked about his early days at A&T, working with Dr. King, his two runs for the presidency, gun violence, racial profiling, social media, and Donald Trump. Here are some highlights.
JL: You played football, baseball, and basketball in high school. Which was your favorite?
JJ: Football ultimately because that’s how I got my scholarship.
JL: But which sport were you better at?
JJ: Maybe baseball, but football was my meal ticket.
JL: Everyone knows about the Greensboro Four who staged the first lunch counter sit-in, but folks forget that it was you who organized “wade-ins” at all-white swimming pools, “watch-ins” at segregated movie theatres, and more.
JJ: The real deal was when the four brothers made that gallant step, but then the Bennett women sustained it. They showed the strength and courage to follow through.
JL: Dr. King was sort of like a father to you. What did you learn from him?
JJ: Strong minds bring strong change. You have to study diligently and study every day, and pray fervently, and have the courage of your convictions.
JL: You did well in the 1984 and 1988 primaries, but didn’t win the nomination. Why didn’t you run as an independent?
JJ: I was trying to honor the system. We wanted to expand the base of Democrats at that time. One of my concerns then and now is that people must run for change, not just run for themselves.
A special edition of Triad Today with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, airs this Sunday night at 8 o’clock, on MY48 (cable channel 15).
February 24, 2026 @ 4:13 pm
Remembering the Rev. Jesse Jackson
Jesse Louis Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, but folks in these parts claim him as a native son because he graduated from N.C. A&T State University. In fact, Jackson will tell you that he found himself at A&T, where he was a star football player, student body president, and leader of a movement to integrate public facilities and businesses in Greensboro.
Jackson went to work with Dr. Martin Luther King in 1965 and, in 1967, took over the Chicago-based “Operation Bread Basket,” where he was successful in persuading area companies to hire minorities. He became an ordained minister following Dr. King’s assassination, then founded Operation P.U.S.H. (People United to Serve Humanity) in 1971. He organized the Rainbow Coalition in 1984, and merged the two groups in 1996. Rev. Jackson ran for president in 1984 and again in 1988 (winning an astounding 13 primaries that year), and over the years, he has been instrumental in freeing scores of hostages from foreign adversaries.
For the better part of seven decades, Jackson used his voice to speak for underrepresented populations and to advocate for improved access to healthcare and employment. He also opened doors for people of color to run for and win elected office. Affected by the ravages of Parkinson’s over the past 10 years, Jackson’s voice grew softer, but there was still power in his words. Jesse Jackson passed away in the early morning of February 17. He was 84 years old.
In May of 2018, I had the honor and privilege to spend time with Rev. Jackson when he appeared on my Triad Today television show. He was in Greensboro to deliver the baccalaureate address at Bennett College, a contingent from which filled the ABC45 studio to watch our interview being recorded. On that day, Rev. Jackson was greeted like a rock star by a large, enthusiastic, and mostly female studio audience. He stopped to shake hands and have photos taken with everyone, and gave my wife Pam a big hug before ascending to the stage. I asked him, “What IS it with you and women?” “We have an understanding,” he replied with a smile.
Jackson was 76 years old then, and Parkinson’s had slowed his stride and softened his once booming voice, but his words were still filled with the fervor of a man on a mission of economic empowerment and racial unity. During our 25-minute conversation, Rev. Jackson talked about his early days at A&T, working with Dr. King, his two runs for the presidency, gun violence, racial profiling, social media, and Donald Trump. Here are some highlights.
A special edition of Triad Today with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, airs this Sunday night at 8 o’clock, on MY48 (cable channel 15).