Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Reflections

Rev. Jackson’s rallying cry, “I Am Somebody,” gave voice to generations who needed to be reminded of their dignity, worth, and limitless potential. His leadership in the fight for voting rights, economic equity, and social justice changed the trajectory of our nation and inspired movements across the globe. I am forever grateful for his boldness, his brilliance, and his unwavering commitment to uplifting humanity. His legacy lives on in every Aggie who dares to lead, serve, and stand for what is right. Thank you for your unwavering service. In forever Aggie Pride…Rest well, Rev. Jackson. Your light continues to guide us.

Aggie Pride!!! Sending my heartfelt condolences to the Jackson family!!

Thank Rev. Jackson for his service to Community and the country,

First time meeting Rev Jackson was in 1983 my freshman year at NCA&T, participating in rally & marching downtown Greensboro to protest apartheid.

The last time I was able to speak to Rev Jackson was at an Aretha Concert at the Wolf Trap. What a dynamic individual who was delighted to be called an Aggie! That in no way minimizes his statue nor his legacy as a dynamic leader since he credited much of his success to his experiences at our beloved North Carolina A&T!

I remember when he would come to GHOE many years and would walk around & speak to all with such exuberance. Being a Sorority Sister (DST), he gave an extra nod to us. Thank you for all that you've done to make our lives better! Aggie Pride & coming from NCA&TSU guided my career & life in the direction I have pursued and continue to evolve. Rev. Jackson will always be an inspiration to me and my family...again, thank you. Rest in Power 🙏🙏🙏❣️

He Quarterbacked More Than a Team Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., ’64 Some men you meet in college become footnotes in your life. Others become chapters in history. I first met Jesse Jackson at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro. He was student body president, and yes, the quarterback of the Aggie football team. On Saturdays, he commanded the gridiron for two hours. The rest of us — I was in the band — commanded about fifteen minutes at halftime. And what a fifteen minutes we tried to give him. But leadership for Jesse was never confined to a field. When many of us arrived on campus unsure of who we were or where to place our energy, he made the call clear. For me, that call meant joining him on the picket lines at the Woolworth store downtown. That was education beyond sociology textbooks. That was lived curriculum. That was conviction in motion. He quarterbacked more than a team, he quarterbacked a generation. Even then, he had that rhythm in his speech. That cadence that later would echo across convention halls and presidential campaigns. We would hear it crystallize in phrases like: • “I Am Somebody.” • “Keep hope alive.” • “If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.” • “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.” • “When we stand together, there is nothing we cannot do.” But before those words filled arenas, they filled classrooms, dorm rooms, and campus rallies. Years later, during his presidential bid, our paths crossed again, this time at a town hall on drug policy at the ABC Studios in New York. By then, he was a national political force, a two-time presidential candidate, architect of the Rainbow Coalition. Yet when we spoke, it felt like two Aggies reconnecting. We talked seriously about how we might work together on issues affecting our communities. He listened. He engaged. He was still building coalitions, one conversation at a time. Over the years, I followed his journey closely. He was present at Homecoming two years ago when I attended. As always, I went over and shook his hand. He was still on point. Still focused. Still the champion of civil rights. He bridged eras, from the movement days alongside Dr. King to reshaping the national political landscape. But for those of us who knew him at A&T, we remember the young man forming that bridge long before the nation noticed. Last September, I attended the homegoing service for Brother Joseph McNeil of the Greensboro Four. There was something powerful about bringing him back to A&T for his final send-off. I have no doubt our Alma Mater will do the same for Rev. Jackson. North Carolina A&T is not just where he studied, it is where part of the movement sharpened its voice. His influence also lives in my own forthcoming book, where I reflect on the intersections of leadership, activism, and personal responsibility, and where his example stands as a point of reference. For those interested, information about the soon-to-be-released book can be found at https://jamilalraziauthor.com/. History will record the presidential campaigns. The Rainbow Coalition. The marches. The speeches. But I will remember the quarterback. The student body president. The man who could stand in a television studio in New York, discussing national drug policy, and still speak with the same conviction he carried on the campus of North Carolina A&T. He reminded us, before it became a slogan, that we were somebody. And we always would be.

I met Mr Jackson in 1988 when he was running for president he came to East NY when he was marching down Belmont Ave I shake his hand he was a very powerful and positive person I send my deepest condolences to the family I always listen to him speak taught me a lot about positive equal rights he will never be forgotten may he rest in eternal peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

I remember being excited to have Reverend Jesse Jackson as the Commencement Speaker for the Class of 1998, for the College of Arts and Sciences. His voice inspired us and I always admired his drive and determination to make things better for the generations that followed. He was truly a catalyst for change and his legacy will forever be in our hearts.

I remember that he would always come to Homecoming and sometime speak at the football games. He would also be on the Plot or the vicinity of the plots where he took a picture with me when I was a student in the early 90s. I will remember the dedication he gave for our Civil Rights and Freedom. Rest well!!!

My condolences to the Jackson Family. My sister Bettye J. Keel was a classmate of Rev. Jackson (She deceased in 1970) at NC A&T State University. She often spoke of him with my now deceased parents. She was there when the Woolworth Sit-In took place and Rev. Jackson was instrumental in heading that sit-in. I was just a little girl then but will never forget the history of The Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rest in Peace Rev. Jackson for I will never forget the work you have done. My prayers for the family.

Dear Jackson Family, My husband and I were deeply saddened to learn of Reverend Jackson’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. As fellow Aggies who attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University alongside Jesse Jr. and Jonathan, we have always felt a special pride in the extraordinary legacy Reverend Jackson carried from Aggieland to the world. He was not only a courageous and trailblazing civil rights leader, but also a proud son of our university. His impact as a national voice for justice and equality will forever remain woven into the spirit of our institution and the fabric of our nation. We were just sophomores in college when Reverend Jackson ran for president in 1984. We will never forget what it felt like to cast our very first presidential vote for Jesse Jackson—a moment that felt like living history. His campaign gave so many of us hope, pride, and a deeper sense of civic responsibility. It was more than an election; it was a powerful affirmation that our voices mattered. We in Aggieland mourn his loss deeply, yet we also celebrate a remarkable life that inspired generations to pursue justice, service, and equality. His courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to civil rights will continue to guide and inspire us all. On Saturday, February 15, 2026, we visited the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, where we spent time reflecting on his many accomplishments and enduring contributions. It was a powerful reminder of the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind and the countless lives he touched. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in his remarkable legacy and in the love and admiration that surrounds your family.

As a classmate of Jesse Jr. and Johnathan, I remember our symbolic march from campus to the Woolworth counter in 1987, downtown Greensboro. Inspiring us as young people to make a difference in our world. Also he showed his fatherly rapport with his sons on one of our Saturday test study sessions. He showed concern and care for us as young people and the development of our social awareness and community involvement. His example of being a positive part of our community and advocating for our fellow man will shine in our spirits for many years to come. Thank you Jackson family for sharing him with us.

May Reverend Jackson rest peacefully in power!

Rev Jackson was a true leader his presence will surely be missed, but he will remain forever in our hearts. My sincere condolences to the Jackson family. I had the honor of being an Aggie student with Jessie Jr.

Praying for the Jackson Family🙏💙🙏💛

Outstanding, kind, respectable, caring gentleman. Very serious in what he stood for.

My sincere condolences to the family of Rev.Jesse Jackson. I made the decision to attend NCAT because he was an alumnus. I had great admiration for his political leadership and civil rights activism. I heard him speak in 1988 during his Democratic Party Presidential campaign and have been forever inspired to keep hope alive and to work on achieving positive outcomes for myself, family, and the next generations.

So very touched and honored to be a fellow Aggie Reverend Jackson.

I was honored to have met Reverend Jackson as a student at North Carolina A&T State University. Pictures were not so commonplace back then; we simply enjoyed the moment. I was enamored by his guidance, wisdom, and love for his alma mater. One final #AggiePride to the man who would leave A&T to let the world know, “I am somebody.” Rest well, sir.

I will always remember Rev. Jackson being the keynote speaker for my graduation with the Class of 1970. I was saddened to hear of his passing and extend my condolences to the Jackson family.

Rev. I recall when you graced us with your presence at GHOE a decade ago. I'm sure it meant the world to you then to see how we - the once little black and brown babies of this nation- grew up to become SOMEBODY and gain the ability to stand up to the injustices we faced much like yourself in your heyday. Having you on campus during the 2016 season was remarkable. Everyone flocked to you and embraced you as the great leader you always were. We will never stop singing your praises. Thank you for everything. Say hello to everyone for us - our angels and yours. With Love 🫶🏿 Gods Speed.

My first memory of Jesse Jackson was one told to me by one of my Economics Dept professors at A&T who loved her some Jesse Jackson. If you can imagine, this particular professor would mention him every day. She would say Jesse would do this and Jesse could do that; keep in mind Jesse may not yet have reached his 30 birthday. This particular professor Dr Juanita Tate, knew Jesse would rise to greatness. Whenever I would see Jesse, I would many times think of Dr Tait. I bet they are having a great chat in heaven. RIP Dr. Tait and Jesse.

Dr. Jackson is mourned as an iconic civil rights advocate, and Black man who taught us to use African American as our appropriate name to place us on par with all other ethnic groups in the US by reconnecting us to our original ethnicity, and then the geography where we were born. His accomplishments on our behalf cannot be measured, and we MUST be eternally grateful for his commitment and dedication to us. Thank you, Rev, and thank you, family, for sharing him with us. May God and our Beloved Ancestors pour blessings upon you continuously. Rest in Power, Reverend Doctor.