Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent American civil rights activist, received a standing ovation at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Monday.
His surprise appearance was met with a tribute from the Democrats, who honored his enduring commitment to civil rights and equality for all Americans, as reported.
Reverend Jesse Jackson, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease since 2017, made a poignant appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Monday night.
The 82-year-old civil rights leader, using a wheelchair, was joined on stage by Reverend Al Sharpton and NAACP President Derrick Johnson.
His presence was met with a standing ovation, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for his lifelong dedication to civil rights.
At the Democratic National Convention, Reverend Jesse Jackson received a standing ovation and waved to the crowd, although he did not speak.
Earlier in the evening, Democratic Party chair Jamie Harrison highlighted Jackson’s influential 1984 DNC speech in Chicago, which inspired many, including Harrison himself, to “keep hope alive.”
Jackson, who began his civil rights work as a teenager under Martin Luther King Jr., has been a prominent figure in the movement for decades.
Just before Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, he was standing next to Reverend Jesse Jackson on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.
Following King’s death, Jackson founded the Chicago-based civil rights organization Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity).
The group was established to empower African Americans and advance their rights, continuing Jackson’s commitment to the civil rights movement.
The Democratic National Convention began on Monday, August 19, in Chicago with keynote addresses from notable figures such as First Lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Kamala Harris, who is the first Asian American and Black woman to head a major party ticket, was officially recognized as the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race.
Biden’s withdrawal followed concerns about his age and his performance in the debate with Donald Trump in June. Meanwhile, Trump is aiming for a comeback to the White House after his 2020 exit.
