Known as one of the world's most involved Civil
Rights activists, Jesse Jackson has striven to promote equality for
African-Americans. Since 1965, when Jackson joined the Southern
Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), he has been active in
increasing awareness of Civil Rights and speaking out against
discrimination.
Born in South Carolina in 1941 to a lower-middle class family,
Jackson proved himself early on when he succeeded in becoming an
honor student and star athlete during both high school and college.
In 1971, he organized Operation PUSH (People United to Serve
Humanity) as well as a program to benefit inner-city children a few
years later.
Because of Jackson's talent for speaking powerfully and reaching the
public, he soon became involved in politics. He ran for the
Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and although he did not
win, he began to open the doors for African-Americans in politics.
Following his political journey, he continued to influence the public
with a syndicated television talk show. Jackson ran for president in
1984.
Jackson continues to make great contributions and strides for the
equality of African-Americans and the public's movements towards
peace.