Jesse Jackson

Rev. Jesse Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941. He was the first African American to receive millions of votes in an attempt to become president (1984, 1988). Jackson struck a chord with the conscience of America with his concept of a "rainbow coalition," (inclusion of women, men, and various ethnic groups). Jackson has challenged major American corporations and industries to increase employment and economic opportunities for minorities.

He joined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the early 1960’s, when the battle for civil rights was taking hold. In 1967, Jesse achieved national visibility as SCLC’s Chicago Breadbasket leader. By 1968, he became a Baptist Minister. Jackson organized "People United to Save Humanity," PUSH, in 1973. In the 1990’s, Jackson added to his notoriety by becoming a cable television talk show host. His program is dedicated to tackling serious social issues.