Assembly Resolution No. 988

BY: M. of A. Heastie

MOURNING the death of the Reverend Jesse Louis
Jackson and honoring his lifetime of service,
leadership, and advocacy for civil rights and social
justice

WHEREAS, From time to time, the Legislature of the State of New York
pauses in its deliberations to recognize individuals whose lives have
profoundly shaped society and whose leadership, courage, and moral
conviction have left an enduring imprint on history, inspiring
generations to confront inequality, expand opportunity, and work toward
a more just and fair society; among the distinguished figures whose
lives embody these ideals, few have demonstrated such enduring courage,
moral clarity, and transformative impact as the Reverend Jesse Louis
Jackson; and

WHEREAS, The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, born Jesse Louis Burns on
October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, rose from humble
beginnings to become one of the most influential civil rights leaders in
history, dedicating his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and
human rights for Black Americans and all people; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson was raised in a segregated South, and was
surrounded by a community that instilled in him a deep sense of faith,
resilience, and responsibility; he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in
sociology from the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina,
now known as North Carolina A&T State University; in 1964, he began his
theological studies at Chicago Theological Seminary but deferred his
studies when he began working full-time in the Civil Rights Movement
with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; he was ordained on June
30, 1968 by Reverend Clay Evans and received his Master of Divinity
degree from Chicago Theological Seminary in 2000; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson emerged as a mentee and follower of the
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement,
standing alongside Dr. King in the final moments of his life in 1968,
and carrying forward the movement's moral and strategic legacy with
unwavering commitment; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson played a pivotal role in the Southern
Christian Leadership Conference's Operation Breadbasket, transforming it
into a national force for economic justice by negotiating employment
opportunities, corporate accountability agreements, and community
investment commitments that reshaped access to economic power for Black
Americans; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson strengthened the national movement for
justice by founding the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, uniting his earlier
organizations to advance political empowerment, economic opportunity,
and equal rights for underserved communities; through the Rainbow/PUSH
Coalition, Reverend Jackson championed voter registration, educational
equity, fair housing, and criminal justice reform, mobilizing millions
of Americans to participate in civic life and expanding the political
influence of historically marginalized communities; and


WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson's groundbreaking 1984 and 1988
presidential campaigns galvanized a multiracial "Rainbow Coalition,"
elevating issues such as universal healthcare, workers' rights,
environmental justice, and international human rights, and opened doors
for future candidates of color to seek and hold the highest offices in
the nation; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson distinguished himself as a global
humanitarian and diplomat, negotiating the release of American hostages
and political prisoners in Syria, Cuba, Iraq, and other regions,
demonstrating a steadfast commitment to peace, dialogue, and the
protection of human life; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson was a tireless advocate for labor rights,
standing with workers across industries ranging from farmworkers to
airline employees to public sector unions, consistently affirming that
economic justice is inseparable from civil rights; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson's voice resonated across generations as he
spoke out against apartheid in South Africa, voter suppression in the
United States, and human rights abuses around the world, reinforcing the
moral imperative of global solidarity in the struggle for freedom and
equality; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson's lifelong dedication to youth
empowerment, leadership development, and educational opportunity
inspired countless young people to pursue public service, activism, and
community leadership, ensuring that his legacy continues to shape the
future; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson further distinguished himself through
national public service, including his tenure as "shadow senator" for
the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997, where he advocated for full
congressional representation and statehood for the residents of
Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his decades of leadership, moral courage,
and unwavering commitment to civil and human rights, Reverend Jackson
was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton
in 2000, the nation's highest civilian honor; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson maintained deep and enduring ties to New
York State, shaping its civil rights landscape and launching the Wall
Street Project in New York City, an initiative dedicated to challenging
the financial industry to expand access and opportunity for minority
entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, and to ensure that the
corporate sector reflected the diversity, talent, and economic
aspirations of all communities; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson's work in New York strengthened grassroots
organizing, expanded political participation, and inspired generations
of New Yorkers to confront injustice with courage, discipline, and moral
conviction; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Reverend Jackson remained a steadfast
voice against racism, poverty, violence, and discrimination, championing

voting rights, workers' rights, educational equity, and the dignity of
marginalized communities across the nation; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026, at the
age of 84, leaving behind a monumental legacy of activism, institution
building, and moral leadership that transformed the United States and
inspired movements around the world; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson is survived by his devoted wife of more
than six decades, Jacqueline Lavinia Brown Jackson, and their children,
Santita Jackson, Jesse Louis Jackson Jr., Jonathan Luther Jackson, Yusef
DuBois Jackson, Jacqueline Lavinia Jackson, and Ashley Laverne Jackson,
all of whom carry forward his legacy of service, faith, and commitment
to justice; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the passing of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, to honor his
extraordinary life and achievements, and to recognize his profound
contributions to civil rights, democracy, and human dignity; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, with the
deepest sympathy and gratitude of the people of New York State.