Jesse Jackson was a political activist from America, born on October 8, 1941. He is also a Baptist minister and a politician who has made his mark in the U.S. government. Jackson is best known for serving as a shadow United States senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. From 1992 to 2000, Jackson hosted his CNN show, “Both Sides with Jesse Jackson.” He also founded the organizations that merged to become Rainbow/PUSH. He’s a political and religious leader worth celebrating on his special day today!
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Jesse Louis Jackson
Birth date:
October 08, 1941
Age:
82 years, 6 months
Zodiac Sign:
Libra
Height:
6' 3"
Relationship Status:
Married
Net Worth:
$9.0 million
Background
Jesse Louis Jackson is an American politician, Baptist minister, and political activist whose success has earned him recognition. He’s a Libra, born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina. His parents are Helen Burns and Noah Louis Robinson. A year after Jackson’s birth, his mother married Charles Henry Jackson, who adopted him. He attended Sterling High School, segregated, and was the class president. He graduated in 1959 and participated at the predominantly-white University of Illinois on a football scholarship. After two semesters, he transferred to North Carolina A&T, where he played quarterback and was active in local civil rights protests against segregated libraries, theaters, and restaurants. During this time, he was among the Greenville Eight and got arrested for using a white library. In 1964, Jackson graduated with a B.S. in sociology and enrolled at Chicago Theological Seminary. He dropped out in 1966.Jackson worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, who gave him a role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (S.C.L.C.). In 1966, Dr. King chose Jackson to lead the Chicago branch of S.C.L.C.’s economic arm, Operation Breadbasket. And in 1968, Jackson was ordained as a minister by the Church. After Dr. King’s death and Jackson’s fallout with the S.C.L.C., he formed Operation PUSH (People United To Serve Humanity) in 1971. Jackson designed Operation PUSH as a platform to pressure politicians to improve economic opportunities for blacks and people of other races. In 1984, he formed the Rainbow Coalition and resigned as president of Operation PUSH to run for the Presidency. Jackson was more than an American politician. By constantly securing the release of American citizens in war-torn foreign countries, he solidified his international relevance as an activist. In 1988, Jackson campaigned for the Presidency again under the Democratic party. In 1991, he ran for office as a shadow senator for the District of Columbia and served until 1997.Jackson supported the Obama administration and his son’s political ambitions in his later political years. As a political figure, Jackson’s personal affairs were public information. He married Jacqueline Brown in December 1962, and they have five children. Jackson has six children altogether. He shares his life with family and friends.
Career timeline
Jackson establishes the Operation PUSH organization.
Jackson runs for the office of President after establishing the Rainbow Coalition.
Jackson becomes a shadow senator for the District of Columbia.
The church ordains Jesse Jackson as a minister.
Jesse Jackson FAQs
What illness does Jesse Jackson have?
He has Parkinson’s disease
Are Jesse Jackson and Michael Jackson related?
Jackson isn’t related to the late King of Pop.
What happened to Rainbow Coalition
The organization eventually collapsed under duress.
5 Surprising Facts
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His son is also a politician
Jackson’s son is former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr.
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He’s pro-life
As a Liberal, Jackson shocked several with his anti-abortion views.
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He had an affair
Jackson had an extra-marital affair with a staffer, which yielded a child.
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His mother was 16
Jackson’s mother was 16 years old when she gave birth to him.
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His father was married
Jackson’s father was his mother’s married neighbor.
Why We Love Jesse Jackson
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He’s an activist
Jackson is an international activist that has secured the release of several Americans in war-torn countries. He’s fought for the black community countless times.
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He’s hardworking
Jackson has been working hard for decades. His success in American politics is a factor in his consistent hard work and dedication.
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He’s caring
Jackson is empathetic towards the underprivileged and the disenfranchised. He works in their interest.
Jesse Jackson’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 8 | Saturday |
| 2023 | October 8 | Sunday |
| 2024 | October 8 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 8 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 8 | Thursday |
