Rev. Jesse Jackson's Inspiring 1970 Visit to Baltimore's Henson Elementary

A pivotal moment in one woman's life that illustrates the enduring power of hope and the impact of a single speech.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In 1970, a young Michelle Singletary attended a school assembly at Matthew A. Henson Elementary in Baltimore where she heard a speech by Rev. Jesse Jackson that would profoundly shape her worldview. Decades later, Singletary reflects on how Jackson's message of hope and empowerment during a period of significant social change continues to resonate.

Why it matters

The story of Jackson's visit to Henson Elementary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, the transformative power of education, and the enduring need for hope in the face of adversity. As discussions around equity and social justice continue to evolve, the lessons learned from leaders like Rev. Jackson remain vital.

The details

In the school auditorium, a room full of young Black children, 'fidgeting, waiting for the speaker to begin,' experienced an encounter with a rising voice in the Civil Rights Movement. The specific content of Jackson's 1970 speech remains unrecorded, but its effect on Singletary is clear - it instilled a sense of possibility and resilience that guided her life. Henson Elementary had a history of dedicated teaching and community investment that likely amplified the message of hope delivered by Jackson.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson visited Matthew A. Henson Elementary School in Baltimore in 1970.

The players

Michelle Singletary

A woman who attended the 1970 assembly at Henson Elementary where Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke, and who reflects on how the experience profoundly shaped her worldview.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A rising voice in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1970s who delivered an inspiring speech at Henson Elementary School that had a lasting impact on the students.

Matthew A. Henson Elementary School

A Baltimore school that served students from 1965 through 1980, with a history of dedicated teaching and community investment that likely amplified Rev. Jackson's message of hope.

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What they’re saying

“a room full of young Black children, 'fidgeting, waiting for the speaker to begin.'”

— Michelle Singletary (archyde.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The story of Rev. Jesse Jackson's visit to Henson Elementary School serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, the transformative power of education, and the enduring need for hope in the face of adversity. As discussions around equity and social justice continue to evolve, the lessons learned from leaders like Rev. Jackson remain vital to fostering hope and empowering future generations.