Jonathan Jackson, a congressman from Illinois, fondly recalls his father Jesse Jackson's historic 1984 campaign for the first Black president of the United States, reflecting on the significance of voting. Jonathan, a lifelong political activist, transitioned to elected office later in life after serving as a spokesperson for the Rainbow Push Coalition, founded by his father. In an interview, he discusses his entry into Congress, the challenges he faces, and his commitment to making his parents proud.
At 58, Jonathan Jackson is approaching his first year representing Illinois's first congressional district, succeeding Democratic congressman Bobby Rush. Reflecting on his unexpected entry into politics, he emphasizes the desire to honor his parents' legacy, especially as they face health challenges. Jesse and Jacqueline Jackson, veterans of the civil rights movement, instilled a commitment to activism in their children.
Despite the honor of serving in Congress, Jackson acknowledges the complexities and challenges of the political landscape. He describes the experience as a mix of awe and wonderment, comparing it to both a bad high school and walking a tightrope over a pool of sharks on different days.
Jonathan Jackson's activism is rooted in his belief in God's grace, a principle he shares with his father. Their shared history includes arrests for protesting racial apartheid in South Africa and advocating for voting rights outside the supreme court.
Jonathan Jackson appreciates the guidance and wisdom his father, despite battling Parkinson's disease, imparts daily. The congressman highlights their shared commitment to social justice, evident in their protests over the years, including against racial apartheid in South Africa and for voting rights.
As part of a family deeply engaged in activism, Jonathan Jackson's political journey intertwines with significant moments in American history. He fondly recalls accompanying his father during the 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, witnessing the challenges and backlash against the audacity of a Black major-party nominee. Despite the resistance, Jesse Jackson's campaigns contributed to the political empowerment and progress toward justice and economic empowerment.
Jonathan Jackson views his family's legacy as that of freedom fighters rather than typical politicians, emphasizing the focus on larger moral crusades. Reflecting on the historic achievements that followed, such as Barack Obama's presidency, Kamala Harris becoming vice president, and Raphael Warnock's election as a U.S. senator from Georgia, he underscores the impact of his father's efforts.
Beyond political campaigns, Jesse Jackson engaged in social justice and freelance diplomacy, involving his son in negotiations with leaders like Syrian president Hafez al-Assad and Fidel Castro. Jonathan Jackson recalls these experiences as instances where they went with a Bible, imams, and rabbis, lacking the formal backing of the United States government.
In summary, Congressman Jonathan Jackson's journey is deeply intertwined with his family's commitment to activism and social justice, emphasizing the moral crusades that shaped their legacy.