Rev. Jesse Jackson on Arizona and Immigration

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies honored Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, with the 2010 Louis E. Martin Great American Award at its 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Washington, DC.

Jackson was recognized for more than a half-century of activism and leadership in the cause of human/civil rights and non-violent social change,

According to Joint Center CEO Ralph Everett, “Through his own example and especially his historic runs for the Presidency, Reverend Jackson perhaps did more than anyone else in our era to enlarge civic engagement and broaden public confidence in our system. He inspired and energized millions to greater involvement in their communities, in the political process and in determining their own futures. At the same time, he launched a national conversation on the possibility that a person of color could become President of the United States of America.”

This article was previously availabley at ebonyjet.com.