Jesse Jackson: A Journey from Civil Rights to Politics

Jesse Jackson, a prominent figure in the transition from civil rights to electoral politics, was born in 1941 in South Carolina. He experienced racial injustices firsthand, which shaped his lifelong activism. After earning a sociology degree, he joined Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights movement. Following King's assassination, Jackson founded Operation PUSH to promote economic opportunities for African Americans. He also formed the Rainbow Coalition and ran for president in 1984 and 1988. Despite not winning, his campaigns paved the way for future African American leaders. Jackson remains a significant civil rights leader, advocating for equality and justice.

What significant event in Jesse Jackson's early life influenced his lifelong fight against racial injustice?

• Playing football in high school

• His experience as a class president

• Riding the back of the bus

• Meeting his wife in college

Which civil rights leader did Jesse Jackson work closely with during the 1960s?

• Malcolm X

• Thurgood Marshall

• Rosa Parks

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What was the primary goal of Operation PUSH, founded by Jesse Jackson?

• To promote African American education

• To ensure economic justice in black communities

• To support African American athletes

• To provide legal aid to civil rights activists

In which year did Jesse Jackson first run for President of the United States?

• 1980

• 1984

• 1988

• 1992

What was the Rainbow Coalition's main objective when it was formed by Jesse Jackson?

• To support African American athletes

• To provide legal aid to civil rights activists

• To fight for equal rights for all

• To promote African American education

How did Jesse Jackson react to Barack Obama's presidential victory in 2008?

• He was surprised

• He was emotional

• He was critical

• He was indifferent

What role does Jesse Jackson continue to play in society?

• A business entrepreneur

• A civil rights leader

• A retired politician

• A sports coach

Which of Jesse Jackson's family members served in the US House of Representatives?

• His brother

• His daughter

• His oldest son

• His wife

What is Mark Twain known for in the context of American culture?

• Being a political activist

• Being America's first celebrity

• Being a civil rights leader

• Being a famous athlete

What was Jesse Jackson's profession aside from being a civil rights leader?

• A journalist

• A teacher

• A lawyer

• A Baptist minister