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Rev. Jesse Jackson came to the Pennsylvania Capitol on Monday to deliver a message about the importance of voting and having systems in place to ensure voter access to the ballot. But his visit meant much more to the lawmakers he encountered as evidenced by the rousing 45-second bipartisan standing ovation he received in the House chamber.
It was the opportunity to see in person, lawmakers said, a living legend known around the world for his six decades fighting for social justice, racial equality and economic empowerment. “It was an honor and privilege to be able to host Reverend Jackson in the Capitol both as chair of the Black Caucus but also as a kid who grew up and having early political memories of him running for president,” said Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery County.
“He is an icon and a legend.” Nelson was touched by Jackson’s passion and desire to push for voter engagement and citizens’ civic duty in participating in elections. “He wanted to talk to folks about voting,” he said.
The 83-year-old Jackson, who is slowed by Parkinson’s Disease, communicates in a low voice with the help of an aide and made his way into the House chamber in a wheelchair. House Speaker Joanna McClinton, the first Black woman to serve in that role in Pennsylvania, recited a brief biography of the ordained Baptist minister who rose to prominence in the 1960s as a close aide to the Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. After King’s assassination, Jackson went on to found Operation PUSH, People United to Save Humanity, in 1971 that explored economic development and social issues in the Black community. Following two runs for president, in 1984 and 1988, Jackson established the National Rainbow Coalition, which sought equal rights for African Americans, women and the LGBT community.
Today, those groups have merged to pursue social justice, civil rights and political activism and voting rights. Following his visit to the Capitol, Jackson toured the Dauphin County Prison to learn more about a program the county has set up to ensure incarcerated people are able to vote. Lawmakers said Jackson‘s visit was sparked by the critical role Pennsylvania plays in this year’s presidential election.
“He’s very interested in young people, communicating about young people voting and it’s incredible,” said Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia. “He could be doing all kinds of other things with his life right now.
” But Hughes appreciated Jackson‘s willingness to come to Harrisburg so he could see for himself “the fruit of the tree from the seed” he planted. He credits Jackson for paving the way for him to serve as Senate Democratic appropriations chairman, for Austin Davis to be the state’s first Black lieutenant governor, for McClinton to be speaker, and for other Black legislators to hold leadership posts. “He planted those seeds decades ago,” Hughes said.
“He needs to see that.” Hughes said Jackson saw it too in Philadelphia this past weekend where a man wearing a MAGA hat ran up to Jackson to thank him for what he has done for so many people. Jackson was expected to make stops in Gettysburg and Pittsburgh as well, Hughes said.
“He recognizes the importance of Pennsylvania,” he said. “He’s here communicating and he commands the attention because of the work he’s done. So for anyone who says voting is not important.
Here’s someone who will tell you from their actions, from a wheelchair, voting is relevant.” Nelson said there’s no doubt that Jackson “still has that fire in the belly. It was wonderful to see someone who is still a tireless champion for voting and advocacy.
” Jan Murphy may be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on X at @JanMurphy.
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