Chicago Urban League CEO Issues Statement on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

Chicago Urban League President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson expressed condolences on the passing of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson on behalf of Board Chair Dr. Suzet McKinney and the board and staff of the Chicago Urban League.

“We are saddened to hear of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson’s passing. We are sending love and prayers to Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson, Santita, Jesse Jr., Yusef, Jonathan, Jackie, and Ashley, as well as the entire Rainbow PUSH family and host of dear friends,” she said. “Like so many will do in the coming days, we remember Rev. Jackson with gratitude.”

Rev. Jackson had international presence and influence but never was too busy on the national stage to lend his support when and where Chicago needed it the most. He understood that most critical issues with national impact had local implications.  From universal health care to redlining to economic empowerment and immigration rights; from education to health care; from voting rights to welfare rights, Rev. Jackson recognized Chicago as a microcosm for what Black people all around the world needed. He was committed to developing local solutions to world problems.

For these reasons and so many more, we celebrate the legacy of Rev. Jackson and thank him for being an amazing partner to Chicago Urban League CEOs from the late Bill Berry to Karen Freeman-Wilson.

Freeman-Wilson heralded Rev. Jackson as a strategic coalition builder. “Our community is better because he loved us through advocacy and action. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of a generation influenced by Rev. Jackson and I will always treasure his wisdom and leadership.”