Remembering Jesse Jackson's 1988 Campaign Rally in Eastern Kentucky

A firsthand account of the civil rights leader's visit to Hazard, Kentucky during his presidential run.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In early 1988, civil rights activist Anne Braden convinced the author, then executive producer of Appalshop Films in Whitesburg, Kentucky, to help organize a campaign rally for Jesse Jackson in Hazard. Though initially reluctant, the author ended up playing a key role in logistics and media outreach for the event, which drew a large and enthusiastic crowd to the Memorial Gymnasium. The author recounts the electricity of Jackson's speech, which resonated powerfully with the predominantly white, working-class audience, and reflects on the lasting impact of that day.

Why it matters

This story provides a unique, on-the-ground perspective on Jesse Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign and his efforts to connect with rural, working-class voters in Appalachia. It sheds light on the cultural and political dynamics of the region at the time, and how Jackson's message of economic and social justice was received by an audience that was not his typical base of support.

The details

The author, then the executive producer of Appalshop Films in Whitesburg, Kentucky, was initially reluctant when civil rights activist Anne Braden asked him to help organize a campaign rally for Jesse Jackson in Hazard. However, Braden persisted, and the author ended up playing a key role in logistics and media outreach for the event. On the day of the rally, the author accompanied Jackson from the airport to the Memorial Gymnasium in Hazard, where a large and enthusiastic crowd had gathered. Jackson's speech, which touched on themes of poverty, dignity, and standing up to the coal industry, resonated powerfully with the predominantly white, working-class audience, many of whom were chanting and clapping along.

  • In early 1988, the author received the call from Anne Braden about organizing the Jesse Jackson rally.
  • The rally took place at the Memorial Gymnasium in Hazard, Kentucky.

The players

Anne Braden

A famous civil rights activist who convinced the author to help organize the Jesse Jackson rally.

Jesse Jackson

The civil rights leader and presidential candidate who spoke at the rally in Hazard.

Joe Begley

A legendary local figure who introduced Jesse Jackson at the rally.

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What they’re saying

“I have heard some good things about you, and I think you should advance this Jesse Jackson campaign rally in Hazard.”

— Anne Braden, Civil rights activist (Daily Yonder)

“Frank Selvy is from here? I had no idea. I saw Frank Selvy score 100 points one night.”

— Jesse Jackson (Daily Yonder)

“...I may be on welfare, but I am somebody. I may be small, but I am somebody. I may have made mistakes, but I am somebody. My clothes are different, my face is different, my hair is different, but I am somebody...”

— Jesse Jackson (Daily Yonder)

What’s next

The author did not mention any specific future newsworthy events related to this story.

The takeaway

This story highlights how Jesse Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign sought to connect with rural, working-class voters in Appalachia, and how his message of economic and social justice resonated with an audience that was not his typical base of support. It provides a unique, firsthand perspective on the cultural and political dynamics of the region at the time.