Jesse Jackson: A Tribute to a Trailblazer

Reflecting on the lasting impact of Jesse Jackson's pioneering presidential campaigns

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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This article pays tribute to the immense importance of Jesse Jackson's presidential campaigns in the 1980s, which helped open up American politics and society to greater representation of Black Americans, Hispanics, and the LGBTQ community. The author recounts how Jackson's campaigns raised serious questions about whether a Black person could be elected president, paving the way for Barack Obama's historic victory two decades later. The article also highlights Jackson's powerful economic message and his efforts to build a 'rainbow coalition' during a time of growing inequality and social division.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson's presidential campaigns were a pivotal moment in American politics, helping to challenge long-standing barriers to representation and inclusion. His campaigns energized marginalized communities and pushed the Democratic Party to be more responsive to their concerns, laying important groundwork for future progress. As the country faces new threats to civil rights and democratic norms, it's crucial to reflect on the legacy of trailblazers like Jackson.

The details

When Jackson first ran for president in 1984, there were no Black governors in the U.S. and only one Black senator since Reconstruction. Blacks were largely excluded from top positions in politics, academia, and corporate America. Jackson's campaigns helped spur momentum for larger changes, raising serious questions about whether a Black person could be elected president. While he did not win the nomination, Jackson's efforts opened doors for future candidates like Barack Obama. Jackson also championed a 'rainbow coalition' that welcomed Hispanics, Arab and Muslim Americans, and the LGBTQ community, at a time when their representation in government was minimal.

  • Jesse Jackson first ran for president in 1984.
  • Jackson ran for president again in 1988.
  • Carol Moseley Braun was elected to the U.S. Senate from Illinois in 1992, becoming the first Black Democratic senator.
  • Barack Obama was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, two decades after Jackson's pioneering campaigns.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader and Baptist minister who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, helping to open up American politics to greater representation of marginalized communities.

Barack Obama

The second Black Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate, who went on to become the first Black president of the United States in 2008, building on the groundwork laid by Jackson's campaigns.

Carol Moseley Braun

The first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, representing Illinois from 1993 to 1999.

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What they’re saying

“Without Jackson's campaigns, it is hard to envision Obama ever having been a serious presidential contender.”

— Dean Baker, Author (CounterPunch)

“Jackson's campaign raised that question in a very serious way.”

— Dean Baker, Author (CounterPunch)

What’s next

As the country faces new threats to civil rights and democratic norms, it will be important to continue reflecting on the legacy of trailblazers like Jesse Jackson and finding ways to build on the progress they helped achieve.

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's presidential campaigns were a pivotal moment in American politics, helping to challenge long-standing barriers to representation and inclusion for Black Americans, Hispanics, and the LGBTQ community. His efforts laid important groundwork for future progress, including the historic election of Barack Obama as the first Black president.