It feels tragically bittersweet that during a time when the US is celebrating black history, we have to say goodbye to an individual who fought so hard to make the future brighter for so many Americans.

Jesse Jackson will be remembered as one of the most consequential civil rights activists of the 20th century, learning from his mentor Martin Luther King, Jr., he became an instrumental figure during the 1960s.

Perhaps his most defining moments came when he ran in the Democratic Presidential candidate races of 1984 and 1988, with a progressive agenda that may not have taken him to the White House, but inspired a future generation, including President Barack Obama, whose message of hope in the 2008 election echoed Jackson’s “keep hope alive” mantra of 1988.

So let this newsletter join the chorus of admiration for him.

And let it be a reminder that while we currently live a world so vulnerable to the politics of hate and division, and while innocent American citizens are being shot and killed on the orders of an administration simply because of the colour of their skin, there are still many people like Jesse Jackson who dedicate their lives to improve ours.

We can make this political, and those who want to continue fueling the division will.

But this isn’t about politics; it’s about humanity.

It’s about being a good person and doing the right thing for others, regardless of personal cost.

So today, as the dark cloud of division continues to hang over America, let us keep the legacy of Jesse Jackson close. Let us remember that greatness can sometimes be just one vote away. And let us always remember that even though the administration can find ways to take your rights, your voice, and even your freedom, we will always have hope.

And hope is what makes tomorrow better.

Joining me on the podcast this week is Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia, and Jacob Jarvis, host of American Friction, and a regular on The Bunker.

You can listen to America: In the Making right now by clicking here or heading to your favourite podcast player.

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