February 17, 2026
On June 7, 1988, I cast my first every vote in a Democratic Primary Election. I cast that ballot with a sense of pride and hope that I have never again felt when voting in any election. Jackson's anti-poverty, social justice message resonated deep into my core. His efforts to unite people of all backgrounds still guides my actions every day. To mark his passing, I would like to change some words he wrote about Dr. King in a preface to one of King's books.
"Don't just admire Jesse Jackson. Follow him. Let your actions honor him every day. Do justice. Love mercy. Because Jesse is not with us physically, it is our responsibility to keep his spirit alive."
