Who was Jesse Jackson? This is the full biography of the civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. who marched at Selma, built the Rainbow Coalition, ran for president in 1984 and 1988, taught a generation to chant “I am somebody,” and told America to keep hope alive. Rev. Jesse Jackson died in February 2026 at age 84, this is his story. For more shows and community, subscribe to Gadfly City at gadflycity.com, Spotify, Instagram, and Apple Podcasts. Fly back soon!
This episode features a full biography of the civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. who marched at Selma, built the Rainbow Coalition, ran for president in 1984 and 1988, taught a generation to chant “I am somebody,” and told America to keep hope alive: Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Watch the video here: Who Was Jesse Jackson? The Preacher Who Kept Hope Alive
For more shows and community, subscribe to Gadfly City at gadflycity.com, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Fly back soon!
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Music Credits:
Albatross by Roie Shpigler
Human-Short Version by Rex Banner
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