Statement on the Passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

NEW ORLEANS, LA —Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement on the passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

“Today, we mourn the passing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a leader among leaders whose life helped bend the moral arc of our nation toward justice. Reverend Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, a champion for the poor and the marginalized, and a relentless advocate for voting rights, economic fairness, and human dignity.

 ”For me, this loss is deeply personal. As a young man serving as a staffer to then Mayor Sidney Barthelemy, I had the honor of meeting Reverend Jackson for the first time. His mere presence was commanding, but it was his compassion and clarity of purpose that left the greatest impression. He took time to encourage young leaders, and I was one of the many who benefited from his mentorship. Over the years, he encouraged me in every step of my political career, offering wisdom, affirmation, and the steady reminder that public service is a calling rooted in justice and love for community.

 “From marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to building Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, to his historic presidential campaigns that expanded participation in our democracy, Reverend Jackson inspired generations to believe that their voices mattered. He did not just speak about hope. He organized it. He mobilized it. He demanded it.

 “Reverend Jackson’s life reminds us that leadership is not about position. It is about purpose. It is about lifting others as you climb and refusing to accept injustice as inevitable. He mentored millions across this nation and around the world, challenging us to stand taller, speak louder, and never give up on the promise of America.

 “As we honor his extraordinary legacy, may we recommit ourselves to the work he began and carried forward with faith and courage. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all who were touched by his life of service.

 “His voice may be stilled, but his message endures.”

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