Samuel L. Jackson Honors Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson at NAACP Image Awards

The actor delivered an impassioned tribute to the late reverend's life and legacy of advocacy.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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At the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, actor Samuel L. Jackson honored the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, recounting the civil rights leader's journey from his birth to an 18-year-old unwed mother in the Jim Crow South to his decades-long commitment to advocating for the marginalized. Jackson highlighted Rev. Jackson's efforts to create job opportunities and urged attendees to continue his work, posing the question "What would Jesse do?" when faced with injustice.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement who dedicated his life to championing the cause of the poor, the disenfranchised, and those seeking employment. His passing earlier this month has prompted reflections on his lasting impact and the ongoing need to apply his principles of advocacy to contemporary challenges.

The details

In his tribute, Samuel L. Jackson recounted Rev. Jackson's birth in Greenville, South Carolina and his rise as a prominent civil rights leader. Jackson stated that Rev. Jackson spent "over half a century" on the front lines, working to create job opportunities within the community, including in the entertainment industry. The actor also shared a personal connection, stating that Rev. Jackson inspired "a young man who has the same last name as his - one Samuel L. Jackson."

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away earlier this month after battling a rare neurological disorder.
  • The 2026 NAACP Image Awards ceremony took place on March 1, 2026.

The players

Samuel L. Jackson

An acclaimed American actor who delivered a tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader who spent over half a century advocating for the marginalized, the poor, and the disenfranchised.

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What they’re saying

“We will carry the torch he lit and maintain hope alive. And we will not be erased from this country's history because we are somebody...”

— Samuel L. Jackson (NAACP Image Awards 2026)

“Rev. Jesse Jackson was a servant leader who dedicated his life to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.”

— Rev. Jesse Jackson's Family (NAACP Image Awards 2026)

What’s next

As the nation reflects on the life and work of Rev. Jesse Jackson, individuals are being called to continue his fight for social justice by asking "What would Jesse do?" when faced with injustice.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy as a prominent civil rights leader who championed the cause of the marginalized and disenfranchised lives on, with calls for individuals to carry on his work of advocacy and creating opportunities for the underserved.