Local Activist Recalls Historic March with Rev. Jesse Jackson

94-year-old Kathleen Harmon served as Jackson's San Diego campaign manager and joined his 1984 march to the Tijuana border promoting immigrant rights.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Kathleen Harmon, a 94-year-old community activist in San Diego, fondly remembers her longtime friendship and work with civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson. Harmon served as Jackson's local campaign manager during his second presidential run and joined him on a historic march to the Tijuana border in 1984 to promote immigrant rights and his inclusive Rainbow Coalition.

Why it matters

Harmon's recollections provide a personal perspective on Jackson's legacy as a civil rights leader and presidential candidate who championed an inclusive, multiracial political movement. Her story highlights the lasting impact of Jackson's activism and the role of local organizers in his campaigns.

The details

Harmon first met Jackson at a Democratic convention in the early 1980s. A few years later, she joined him as he led a rally and march to the border and into Tijuana, promoting immigrant rights and his Rainbow Coalition of supporters during his presidential run. Harmon later served as Jackson's San Diego campaign manager when he ran for president again. Though Jackson did not win, Harmon's admiration for him grew, along with their friendship.

  • Harmon first met Jackson at a Democratic convention in the early 1980s.
  • In the mid-1980s, Harmon joined Jackson on a march to the Tijuana border.
  • Several years later, Jackson called Harmon to ask her to head his San Diego campaign for his second presidential run.

The players

Kathleen Harmon

A 94-year-old community activist in San Diego who served as Rev. Jesse Jackson's local campaign manager and joined him on a historic march to the Tijuana border in 1984.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A civil rights icon and former presidential candidate who led a march to the Tijuana border in 1984 to promote immigrant rights and his inclusive Rainbow Coalition.

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What they’re saying

“As Dr. King marched to Washington, we must march to the border. We must give peace a chance.”

— Rev. Jesse Jackson

“I've been Jesse's friend a long time. Today my heart is heavy that Jesse is gone.”

— Kathleen Harmon, Community Activist (10news.com)

“That was Jesse, God bless him. Yes, that's Jesse!”

— Kathleen Harmon, Community Activist (10news.com)

“I remember it like it was yesterday. I always felt uplifted with Jesse. He loved people, his country. He loved everybody: black, white, blue. Everybody was welcome in that coalition.”

— Kathleen Harmon, Community Activist (10news.com)

“He said, 'Kathleen, I'm running for president, I need you to head San Diego.' I said yes, Jesse!”

— Kathleen Harmon, Community Activist (10news.com)

The takeaway

Harmon's recollections highlight the lasting impact of Rev. Jesse Jackson's civil rights activism and inclusive political movement, as well as the crucial role of local organizers in amplifying his message and mobilizing supporters.