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Statement on Passing of Civil Rights Icon and Presidential Candidate Jesse Jackson

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens issued the following statement on the passing of Civil Rights Icon and presidential candidate Jesse Jackson.

“Today I join the people of Atlanta mourning the passing of an American icon. It was a 26-year-old Jesse Jackson working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on that fateful day in Memphis. That tragedy seemed to cement his commitment to the Movement.

Through the years, Rev. Jackson proved to be a great friend to our city and many of our leaders. He never stopped giving voice to the voiceless and advocating for American families, especially those from historically marginalized communities.

Rev. Jackson showed up for us consistently. He never stopped challenging leaders to do better by Americans, especially when it comes to economic justice. And that’s a fight that we will continue here in Atlanta.

We extend our condolences to the Jackson family as well as our sincere gratitude for sharing their patriarch with the rest of us.

Here in Atlanta, as well as around the country, we would be wise to heed Rev. Jackson’s words and ‘keep hope alive.’ We intend to.”

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