As a student in North Carolina A&T, Jackson gradually became involved with the civil rights movement. In 1960, he was arrested with seven other students after a silent demonstration in a whites-only public library, which led to the desegregation of the library.

Both men sought the presidency. They came from different backgrounds, held different goals, and had radically different styles.

In his 1984 speech at the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco, Mr. Jackson argued for a more diverse coalition for the party.

​Four decades after his presidential runs, the prevailing question is “Why didn’t Jesse Jackson win?” While he didn’t capture the Democratic nomination, according to the Rev. Dr. William Barber, President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, one must utilize another calculus when it comes to judging what winning really is.

Rev. Jesse Jackson's influence in the South wasn't just symbolic — it reshaped how political power is allocated in the Democratic Party, says Emory political scientist Andra Gillespie. Why it matters: Cities from Cleveland to San Francisco are recalling Jackson's national imprint after his death on Tuesday.

Jackson didn’t just pave the way for Barack Obama. He envisioned a Democratic coalition and a policy agenda that were ahead of their time.

Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Illinois District 2 Democratic Party Primary B.S. - North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University – 1987; M.A. - Chicago Theological Seminary – 1989; J.D. - University of Illinois College of Law – 1993