DECEMBER 12TH MOVEMENT STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JESSE JACKSON

The December 12th Movement joins the mourning of an important figure in Black people’s struggle for civil rights and liberation. The Reverend Jesse Jackson, who was early mentored by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and went on to create a legacy of his own, has passed. We applaud his many accomplishments in pushing against the white supremacist barriers to Black people’s democratic rights – the Rainbow Coalition, Operation PUSH, the runs for President. We note that in this time when Cuba is under furious attack by the United States, Jesse’s meeting with President Fidel Castro helped open the way for the Pastors for Peace caravans which have brought tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba to mitigate the effects of the illegal U.S. blockade. We remember the nationalist spirit, energy and pride generated by “Run Jesse. Run!” and will continue to carry the baton of liberation.

At a time when the United States’ Secretary of State is openly calling for the recolonization of Africa, Asia and Latin America, along with reasserting the international validity of the ideology of white supremacy, Jessie’s legacy can certainly be critiqued, but where short, must demand WE do better.