Title
Special recognition celebrating the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. dedicated his life to expanding civil rights, strengthening democracy, advancing social justice, and creating equal opportunities for all people; and
WHEREAS, through more than five decades of peaceful advocacy, coalition-building, and moral leadership, Reverend Jackson challenged our nation to confront inequality and work toward a more inclusive society; and
WHEREAS, inspired and mentored by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Reverend Jackson carried forward the principles of nonviolence, civic engagement, and moral courage, mobilizing people of all backgrounds to work toward a more just and equitable society; and
WHEREAS, as founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he promoted economic empowerment, voter engagement, educational access, and civil rights protections that have opened doors for generations of Americans; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson’s historic presidential campaigns, being one of the first African American candidates to seek a presidential nomination, energized new voters, helped redefine the possibilities of American democracy, amplified underrepresented voices, and demonstrated that leadership is rooted in courage and conviction; and
WHEREAS, his voice consistently called our nation to its highest ideals, reminding us that justice requires action, unity requires understanding, and democracy requires participation; and
WHEREAS, his enduring message of hope, unity, and shared responsibility continues to guide communities striving to ensure fairness and dignity for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that this Lake County Board joins residents throughout Lake County in recognizing the profound impact of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. on our nation and our collective civic life; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, that the Lake County Board extends its sincere sympathy to the Jackson family for their loss and reaffirms our commitment to advancing the principles of equality, justice, and opportunity that defined his life’s work.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on March 10, 2026.