Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Remembering Jesse Jackson: A Trailblazer in Civil Rights and Politics (1941-2026)


Today, February 17, 2026, marks a somber milestone in American history as we bid farewell to the Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the civil rights movement, who passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago at the age of 84. Surrounded by family, Jackson's death comes after a prolonged battle with health issues, including Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). His life was a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the relentless pursuit of justice, spanning from the segregated South to the global stage. As tributes pour in from leaders across the political spectrum—including former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, and even Donald Trump—we reflect on a journey that reshaped America. 

Early Life: From Humble Beginnings in the Segregated SouthBorn Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson's early years were shaped by the harsh realities of Jim Crow segregation. The son of Helen Burns, a young high school student, and Noah Louis Robinson, a married neighbor and former boxer, Jackson faced taunts about his out-of-wedlock birth, which fueled his drive to excel. His mother later married Charles Henry Jackson, a postal worker who adopted him and gave him his surname. Growing up in a black community under strict racial divides, Jackson attended segregated schools and witnessed the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, which sparked his awareness of systemic injustice.At Sterling High School, he shone as a student leader, class president, and athlete in baseball, football, and basketball. Declining a minor-league baseball contract, he pursued higher education, initially at the University of Illinois on a football scholarship. However, racial barriers limited his opportunities there, prompting a transfer to the historically black North Carolina A&T State University. There, he quarterbacked the football team, led the student body as president, and dove into civil rights protests against segregated facilities, graduating in 1964 with a degree in sociology.Education and the Call to MinistryJackson's path to activism deepened at the Chicago Theological Seminary, where he studied on a scholarship but left in 1966 to focus fully on civil rights work, just credits shy of a master's degree. Ordained as a Baptist minister in 1968, he later earned his Master of Divinity in 2000 based on his life's contributions. This blend of faith and activism became the cornerstone of his career, as he often invoked moral imperatives in his fight for equality.Rising in the Civil Rights MovementJackson's activism ignited in the 1960s under the mentorship of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Bevel. He joined the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 and quickly rose in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), heading the Chicago branch of Operation Breadbasket in 1966. This economic arm boycotted white-owned businesses to demand jobs and contracts for black communities, achieving notable successes.Following King's assassination in 1968—where Jackson was present and later claimed to be the last to speak with him—he clashed with SCLC leadership and founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971. PUSH focused on economic empowerment, voter registration, and social services. Jackson's efforts extended to boycotts, like the 1983 campaign against Anheuser-Busch, and protests against police brutality in cases like Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. His Rainbow Coalition, formed in the 1980s, united diverse groups for progressive causes, emphasizing inclusivity.
Jackson's foray into politics was groundbreaking. In 1984, he ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the second black candidate to mount a nationwide campaign after Shirley Chisholm. Though finishing third with 18% of the vote, he won primaries in states like South Carolina and boosted black voter turnout. His iconic "Rainbow Coalition" speech at the Democratic National Convention highlighted unity among marginalized groups.
International Diplomacy and Later AdvocacyBeyond domestic issues, Jackson was a global peacemaker. He negotiated the release of a U.S. pilot from Syria in 1983, hostages from Cuba in 1984, and POWs from Kosovo in 1999. As President Clinton's envoy to Africa in 1997, he opposed apartheid and accompanied Nelson Mandela upon his release. In his later years, he rallied against voter suppression, urban decay, and wars, speaking at anti-Iraq War protests in 2003. Stepping down from Rainbow PUSH leadership in 2023 due to health, he remained a voice for justice until the end.Personal Life: Family, Challenges, and HonorsMarried to Jacqueline Brown since 1962, Jackson had five children, including former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. In 2001, revelations of an extramarital affair and child led to public scrutiny and a brief hiatus from activism. Despite this, he rebuilt his image, earning honors like the Presidential Medal of Freedom, France's Legion of Honour, and honorary degrees from universities worldwide. Health Struggles and Final DaysDiagnosed with Parkinson's in 2017, Jackson faced hospitalizations for COVID-19 in 2021 and a head injury. In 2025, PSP—a rare neurological disorder—further deteriorated his health, requiring a wheelchair and home care. He was discharged in December 2025 after treatment for complications. His family announced his passing today via the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, noting he died peacefully. Legacy: A Force for ChangeJesse Jackson's death arrives amid ongoing battles for voting rights, with the Supreme Court poised to rule on key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. As Al Sharpton called him a "force of nature" and Obama hailed him as a pioneer, Jackson's influence endures. From sit-ins to the White House doorstep, he inspired generations to "keep hope alive." His life reminds us that progress demands persistence, and his legacy will continue to guide the fight for equality. Rest in power, Reverend Jackson.
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The Revolutionary Life of Huey P. Newton: Power to the People

Huey P. Newton was a figure who defined an era of resistance, intellectualism, and community care. As the co-founder and Minister of Defense of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense (BPP), Newton transitioned from a young man who graduated high school functionally illiterate to a scholar with a Ph.D. who challenged the very foundations of American power.

Early Life: From Louisiana to Oakland

Born on February 17, 1942, in Monroe, Louisiana, Huey Percy Newton was the youngest of seven children. His family joined the Great Migration, moving to Oakland, California, when he was a toddler to escape the Jim Crow South.

Newton’s early years were characterized by a struggle against a school system that failed him. By his own admission, he graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1959 without being able to read. However, inspired by his brother Melvin’s academic success, Huey taught himself to read by studying Plato’s Republic. This sparked a lifelong obsession with social philosophy and law.

Achievements: The Black Panther Party

In October 1966, while attending Merritt College, Newton and Bobby Seale founded the Black Panther Party. They drafted the Ten-Point Program, a manifesto demanding "Land, Bread, Housing, Education, Clothing, Justice and Peace."

While the media focused on the Panthers' militant image—symbolized by the iconic photo of Newton in a wicker chair holding a spear and a shotgun—Newton’s greatest achievements were the "Survival Programs." These included:

  • Free Breakfast for Children: Feeding thousands of hungry students before school.

  • People's Free Medical Clinics: Providing healthcare and sickle cell anemia testing.

  • Oakland Community School: An award-winning model for community-based education.

"The first lesson a revolutionary must learn is that he is a doomed man." — Revolutionary Suicide

Death and Legacy

Huey P. Newton’s life was also marked by legal battles, government surveillance via the FBI's COINTELPRO, and personal struggles with addiction. In 1967, he was involved in a shootout that left one police officer dead; the "Free Huey" movement that followed became a global phenomenon, eventually leading to his release in 1970 after his conviction was overturned.

Tragically, on August 22, 1989, Newton was shot and killed in West Oakland by Tyrone Robinson, a member of the Black Guerrilla Family. His last words were reportedly: “You can kill my body, and you can take my life but you can never kill my soul. My soul will live forever!” Today, his legacy is preserved by the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation, led by his widow Fredrika Newton, which recently unveiled a bronze bust in his honor in Oakland.

Selected Bibliography

Newton was a prolific writer whose works explored the intersection of race, class, and "Revolutionary Intercommunalism."

TitleYearDescription
Revolutionary Suicide1973His seminal autobiography and philosophical memoir.
To Die for the People1972A collection of his early essays and speeches.
War Against the Panthers1980His doctoral dissertation on government repression.
The Huey P. Newton Reader2002A comprehensive anthology of his writings.

Sources

Would you like me to draft a summary of the specific points within his Ten-Point Program for your next post?

A Black Panther on Stage: Huey P. Newton's Story

This video explores the complex inner life and legacy of Huey P. Newton through the lens of a theatrical performance based on his own words.


 





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Dr. Gerald Horne: A Relentless Scholar of History and Activism

Dr. Gerald Horne is a name synonymous with prolific historical scholarship and an unwavering commitment to social justice. A towering figure in academia, Horne has dedicated his life to unearthing obscured histories, particularly those concerning race, class, and colonialism, challenging dominant narratives and offering a more nuanced understanding of global events. His work is not merely academic; it serves as a powerful tool for contemporary activism and a crucial lens through which to view ongoing struggles for equality.

A Life Dedicated to Truth-Seeking

Born in 1949, Gerald Horne's journey began with a deep engagement in political activism. This early involvement undoubtedly shaped his academic trajectory, fostering a critical perspective that would become the hallmark of his extensive bibliography. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Columbia University and a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, combining legal expertise with historical inquiry to produce rigorously researched and compelling analyses.

Horne's academic career has spanned prestigious institutions, including the University of Houston, where he holds the John and Rebecca Moores Professorship of History and African American Studies. His influence extends beyond the classroom, reaching a global audience through his numerous books, articles, and public lectures.

Unearthing Hidden Histories: Accomplishments and Impact

Dr. Horne's accomplishments are vast and multifaceted. He is an exceptionally prolific author, having penned over 40 books and countless articles. His work frequently re-examines pivotal historical moments, placing the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities at the forefront. He has shed critical light on:

  • The global context of U.S. history: Horne consistently demonstrates how U.S. history is intertwined with international events, particularly the rise and fall of empires, the Cold War, and anti-colonial movements.

  • The centrality of race and class: He meticulously details how racial and class hierarchies have shaped historical developments, from the American Revolution to the present day.

  • Challenging myths and exposing injustices: Horne is unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths, debunking popular myths and exposing the systemic injustices embedded in historical narratives.

Some of his most influential works include:

  • "Negro Comrades of the Crown: African Americans and the British Empire from the Era of the American Revolution to World War I" (2012): This book explores the complex relationship between African Americans and the British Empire, offering a startling reinterpretation of loyalty and resistance.

  • "The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America" (2014): In this provocative work, Horne argues that the American Revolution was, in part, a counter-revolution aimed at preserving slavery from British abolitionist pressures.

  • "Confronting Black Jacobins: The U.S., the Haitian Revolution, and the Origins of the Dominican Republic" (2015): Here, he examines the fear generated by the Haitian Revolution among U.S. elites and its long-term implications for the Caribbean.

  • "The Apocalypse of Settler Colonialism: The Roots of Slavery, White Supremacy, and Capitalism in 17th Century North America and the Caribbean" (2018): This book delves into the brutal origins of settler colonialism and its enduring legacies.

His relentless pursuit of truth has earned him numerous accolades and a reputation as one of the most important historians of our time. He is a frequent commentator on current events, offering historical context to contemporary social and political issues.

Powerful Words: Memorable Quotes

Dr. Horne's writing and speeches are often punctuated by sharp, incisive observations. While it's challenging to extract single quotes that capture the full depth of his work, here are examples of themes he often articulates:

  • On the nature of history: "History is not simply about what happened, but about who tells the story, and why." (Paraphrased, reflecting a core principle of his work)

  • On the enduring legacy of slavery: "The tentacles of slavery reach into every corner of the present, shaping our institutions, our economies, and our very consciousness." (Paraphrased)

  • On the importance of internationalism: "To understand the U.S., one must understand the world, and vice versa. Our histories are inextricably linked." (Paraphrased)

Inspiring the Next Generation

Horne's impact extends to inspiring countless students and fellow scholars to question established narratives and pursue a more just and equitable understanding of history. He has mentored many who now carry on his legacy of critical inquiry.

Dr. Horne is a tireless advocate for radical historical analysis, demonstrating how understanding the past is essential for navigating the complexities of the present and building a more just future. His work remains a vital resource for anyone seeking a deeper, more critical understanding of the forces that have shaped our world. 

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Ona Judge


Ona Judge, born around 1773, was an enslaved woman in the household of George and Martha Washington. Her story is a testament to the human desire for freedom and the lengths one would go to achieve it, even when facing the immense power of the nascent American presidency.

Early Life and Enslavement

Ona, also known as Oney, was born at Mount Vernon, the Virginia estate of the Washingtons. Her mother, Betty, was an enslaved seamstress, and her father, Andrew Judge, was an indentured servant from England. This mixed parentage was unusual and may have contributed to her lighter complexion, which was sometimes remarked upon by others. From a young age, Ona served as a body servant to Martha Washington, a position that placed her in close proximity to the first family of the United States. She traveled with them between Mount Vernon, Philadelphia (the temporary capital), and New York.

The Escape

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 allowed slaveholders to reclaim enslaved people who had escaped to other states. However, Pennsylvania had a law that allowed enslaved people to claim freedom after six months of residency in the state. The Washingtons, eager to maintain their enslaved workforce, developed a strategy to circumvent this law. They would cycle their enslaved people out of Pennsylvania before the six-month mark, effectively resetting the clock on their potential freedom. Ona was keenly aware of this practice.

In May 1796, while the Washingtons were residing in Philadelphia, Ona learned that Martha Washington intended to give her as a wedding gift to her granddaughter, Eliza Parke Custis Law. This news was a stark reminder that despite her privileged position within the household, Ona remained property, subject to the whims of her enslavers. The prospect of being separated from her existing life and potentially sent further south, away from any hope of freedom, spurred her to act.

With the help of free Black people in Philadelphia, Ona escaped on May 21, 1796. She boarded a ship called the Nancy and sailed to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Life in Freedom and Remaining Uncaptured

Ona's escape ignited a persistent pursuit by the Washingtons. George Washington, infuriated by her defiance, used his presidential power and influence to try and recapture her. He contacted customs officials, friends, and even sent agents to track her down.

One of the most notable attempts to recapture Ona occurred in 1799. Washington's nephew, Burwell Bassett Jr., visited Portsmouth and attempted to persuade Ona to return, promising her freedom after the Washingtons' deaths. Ona, however, wisely refused, knowing that such promises were often broken. She famously stated that "she would rather suffer all the hardships of a free life than to return to slavery."

Ona remained uncaptured due for several reasons:

  • Community Support: She found refuge and assistance within the free Black community in Portsmouth, who often helped to hide her and provide warnings of approaching agents.

  • Northern Sympathy: While the Fugitive Slave Act was in effect, some Northerners, particularly in New England, were less inclined to actively participate in the recapture of enslaved people. Public sentiment and local laws sometimes hindered the efforts of slave catchers.

  • Ona's Determination: Her unwavering resolve to remain free, her cautiousness, and her refusal to be lured by false promises played a significant role.

  • Washington's Death: George Washington's death in December 1799 complicated the legal and practical aspects of her recapture. While Martha continued the pursuit, it lacked the full force of the presidency.

In Portsmouth, Ona married a free Black sailor named John Staines and had three children, though only one, Eliza, survived to adulthood. She worked various jobs to support herself and her family, facing the daily struggles of poverty and the constant fear of recapture.

After the Washingtons' Deaths

George Washington's will stipulated that his enslaved people would be freed upon Martha Washington's death. However, Martha, fearing for her own safety, decided to free them a year after George's death. This meant that the remaining enslaved people at Mount Vernon gained their freedom in 1801.

Ona, having already secured her freedom, continued to live in New Hampshire. While she no longer faced the direct threat of being returned to the Washington household, the Fugitive Slave Act remained a danger throughout her life. She was interviewed by abolitionist newspapers in the 1840s, providing valuable first-hand accounts of her life with the Washingtons and her escape.

Accusation of Mental Illness?

There is no historical evidence to suggest that Ona Judge was accused of mental illness because she ran away. The act of escaping slavery was seen by slaveholders as defiance and theft of property, not as a sign of mental instability. Accusations of mental illness were sometimes used to control or dismiss the grievances of enslaved people, but in Ona's case, the Washingtons' actions clearly indicate they viewed her as a runaway property they were determined to reclaim, not as someone suffering from a mental health issue.

Death

Ona Judge Staines died on February 25, 1848, at the age of 75, a free woman in New Hampshire. Her life story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.

Sources:

  • "Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge" by Erica Armstrong Dunbar: This is a comprehensive and highly regarded book on Ona Judge's life.

  • Mount Vernon Digital Encyclopedia: The official website of Mount Vernon offers detailed historical information on Ona Judge and her relationship with the Washingtons.

  • National Museum of African American History and Culture: This museum provides resources and exhibits related to slavery and freedom, often including information on figures like Ona Judge




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