Terri Sewell on Jesse Jackson Passing: I Continue to Remember the Leadership He Gave to a Movement, Fighting for Human Dignity and Voting Rights

EXCERPT:

SEWELL: “It's a sad day, but I also know that we were all so blessed to have Jesse Jackson senior as a part of this national -- international movement. You know, he was truly that testament of the power of activism, of moral clarity, and he challenged all of us, not just to keep hope alive, but he also challenged all of us to respect the dignity of every human being. And so, his legacy will loom large. When I think about the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and those foot soldiers that marched across the bridge in my hometown of Selma, Alabama, I am reminded of the child that I was in my home church of brown chapel, when so many, especially Reverend Jackson would come back year after year after year with John Lewis and other foot soldiers to remind us that the vote is fragile and that it's precious and that we have to fight for it in order to keep it. And then when you think about the fact that it passed and now it's under threat, you know, I just continue to remember the leadership, the important compassion that this man gave to a movement, you know, whether it was fighting for the human dignity of every person, or for voting rights, or for civil rights or for human rights, he did so in a very personal way.”