Chicago's Next Generation of Young Black Leaders Step Up

As the city bids farewell to civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson, a new wave of activists and organizers are ready to carry on the fight for social justice.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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With the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, Chicago is looking to the next generation of young Black leaders to continue the work of protecting civil rights and ensuring social justice. Figures like Father Dr. Charlie Dates, Ashley Munson, and Jaylin McClinton are among those stepping up to lead the charge, inspired by Jackson's legacy of activism and a commitment to making real progress in the city.

Why it matters

Reverend Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, and his departure leaves a void that must be filled by a new generation of leaders. The work of protecting marginalized communities and advancing social justice remains critically important, and the transition to this next phase will shape the future of Chicago's Black community and the city as a whole.

The details

Father Dr. Charlie Dates, senior pastor at Progressive Baptist and Salem Baptist churches, recalls first meeting Reverend Jackson as a teenager and being given opportunities to speak at his events. Dates says Jackson pushed him and others to expand their work beyond the church walls. Ashley Munson, a civic engagement strategist, believes the next generation of leaders will be a coalition, while Jaylin McClinton of the Chicago Urban League's Metro Board says the community has a responsibility to achieve the "beloved community" that King and Jackson envisioned.

  • Reverend Jesse Jackson's passing in 2026

The players

Father Dr. Charlie Dates

Senior pastor of Progressive Baptist and Salem Baptist churches, who was mentored by Reverend Jesse Jackson as a teenager.

Ashley Munson

Civic engagement strategist and political commentator working to promote civic engagement and political awareness in Chicago.

Jaylin McClinton

Civic engagement co-chair for the Metro Board of the Chicago Urban League, committed to advancing the Black community in Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“From that moment forward, he gave many of us an opportunity, in our younger years, to speak to august crowds. I think later in my pastorate, he became an influential voice to push the sermons and the work of the church beyond the four walls. He had no tolerance, as it were, for us just keeping our work small. He felt like the gospel mandate was big.”

— Father Dr. Charlie Dates, Senior Pastor (abc7chicago.com)

“I think the moment we're in is going to define who actually steps up. And yeah, I hope to be one. But I also think that we may have a cadre, a team, like the Avengers, a multiplicity of leaders who step up with the same agenda to make things happen.”

— Father Dr. Charlie Dates, Senior Pastor (abc7chicago.com)

“I think when you look at the next generation of leaders and what's to come next, I think it's a coalition of people. I think there will be a group of people that will lead the way. I know we went from King, to Reverend Jesse and now it's on us to pick up the torch, to do the work and work together to make sure the next generation, and still this generation, does the work and has the freedom to do what they need to do.”

— Ashley Munson, Civic Engagement Strategist and Political Commentator (abc7chicago.com)

“All of us have a responsibility to get to that beloved community that Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King talked about and that Reverend Jesse Jackson talked about as well.”

— Jaylin McClinton, Civic Engagement Co-Chair, Chicago Urban League Metro Board (abc7chicago.com)

The takeaway

As Chicago mourns the loss of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a new generation of young Black leaders is stepping up to continue the fight for civil rights and social justice in the city. These emerging figures, inspired by Jackson's legacy, are committed to building coalitions, expanding the scope of activism, and ensuring the next generation has the freedom and support to make progress on the issues that matter most to the Black community.