Washington, D.C. — Today, American civil rights pioneer Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away at age 84.
In response, Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering leader of the American Civil Rights Movement whose fight for equality and social justice changed the trajectory of our nation and impacted countries around the world. A dynamic bridge builder, he believed a multiracial, multi-class “rainbow coalition” of those too often left on the margins of society could hold the power to change America. His two presidential campaigns shifted our political landscape, offering an expansive vision of opportunity that confronts inequality and builds a true multiracial democracy. His vision remains a hallmark of progressive politics today.
In the face of the attacks we’re seeing from this current administration on the civil rights bulwarks Rev. Jackson and others worked to forge, it is more important than ever that we find common cause with our neighbors to fight for an America where all of us have an equal opportunity to thrive.
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