The Legacy of Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson helped shape modern civil rights and political activism. Explore his legacy in voting rights, economic justice, and national politics.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate, died peacefully on February 17 at the age of 84. Geoff Bennett reports on Jackson's legacy and his decades of activism.
View the transcript of the story.
Warm-Up Questions
- What is Jesse Jackson most known for?
- Where did Jackson grow up?
- How did Jackson become a nationally prominent figure?
- Why did Jackson join the civil rights movement — what was his first act of protest?
- When did Jackson run for president?
Essential Questions
- What do you think is the most important aspect of Jesse Jackson's legacy?
- What focus did Jackson take on after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.? Why do you think his approach to civil rights changed?
- Media literacy: What else would you like to know about Jackson's life and work? How could you find out?
What Students Can Do
Jesse Jackson's death is partly notable since he was one of the last remaining civil rights leaders who worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. Another close partner was Andrew Young, who worked alongside Jackson and King, and who spoke to News Hour about Jackson's legacy. After watching this segment, discuss as a class —
- How did the civil rights movement change and evolve after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.?
- How do you think the legacy of the civil rights movement influences rights movements across the United States today?
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Want to see more stories like this one? Subscribe to the SML e-newsletter!
Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
Advertisement
