Uncle of Jacob Blake Remembers Rev. Jesse Jackson's Support

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Justin Blake, the uncle of Jacob Blake who was shot and wounded by a Kenosha, Wisconsin police officer in 2020, has spoken about the crucial support Rev. Jesse Jackson provided his family during that difficult time. Blake said Jackson's presence and advocacy helped give the family more legitimacy and an 'older perspective' as they navigated the aftermath of the controversial shooting that sparked days of protests.

Why it matters

The shooting of Jacob Blake was a flashpoint in the national reckoning over policing and use of force, particularly against Black Americans. Rev. Jesse Jackson's decision to stand with the Blake family and use his platform to call for police reform highlighted his longstanding role as a civil rights leader and advocate for victims of gun violence.

The details

In 2020, Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by a Kenosha police officer responding to a domestic dispute. Blake was wanted on a felony warrant and allegedly armed with a knife, but no one was ever criminally charged for the shooting. The incident sparked days of unrest and protests. Despite his own health challenges, Rev. Jesse Jackson made multiple trips to Kenosha to support the Blake family and advocate for police reform.

• In 2020, Jacob Blake was shot by a Kenosha police officer.
• In the aftermath, Rev. Jesse Jackson made several trips to Kenosha to support the Blake family.

What they’re saying