Statement from Mayor Van R. Johnson II, President of the African American Mayors Association, on the Passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr.:

Today, America mourns the loss of Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., the greatest and most influential civil rights champion of our time. He leaves behind a legacy that will never be dimmed in the struggle for justice, equality, and human dignity, that will shine brightly forever.

A son of Greenville, South Carolina, born to a teenage mother and raised in poverty, Reverend Jackson dedicated his life to expanding the promise of America for all its citizens. From marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the formation of his historic Rainbow PUSH coalition that shattered barriers and inspired generations, he showed us that change is possible when we have the courage to demand it.

The African American Mayors Association was honored to welcome Reverend Jackson to our annual conferences, where his wisdom, passion, and unwavering commitment to empowering Black communities inspired mayors from across the nation. His two historic presidential campaigns opened the door to what is possible for Black leaders in America and became a direct inspiration for so many of us; as he said, if our minds can conceive it, if our hearts can believe it, then we know that we can achieve it.

We will honor his memory by continuing the work he started, and recommitting ourselves to the fight for a better, more just nation.

On behalf of the African American Mayors Association, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and to all those whose lives he touched.

“Keep Hope Alive.”