A quarter century has passed since the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson launched an historic campaign for the presidency – historic because it marked the first time that an African American or person of color managed to place among the front-running candidates for a major party nomination.

In 1984, the seasoned observers who initially pronounced him to be a fringe candidate were quickly proven wrong as Reverend Jackson demonstrated the breadth of his political support. He went on to win five primaries and caucuses, garnering nearly 20 percent of the primary vote and finishing third in both delegates and vote total, well ahead of five other national candidates. In 1988, he ran again, and this time placed second with nearly a third of the primary vote in a crowded field of candidates.

By advancing the American ideal that any talented, hard-working citizen can be elected to the highest office in the land, 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.

Of course, Reverend Jesse Jackson did not run for President to prove a point. He ran to win. And though he did not win, in the final assessment he brought into the realm of possibility what had before been beyond our capacity to dream. Though he did not silence the voices of those who said a black person could never become President, it was because of him that the unthinkable suddenly became thinkable.

What started 25 years ago with a presidential candidacy is today an historic milestone on the American journey. Today we pay tribute to that candidate and offer our gratitude for enabling so many to dare to dream.