African Nova Scotian community and church leaders mourn Rev. Jesse Jackson

Rev. Jesse Jackson died in Chicago at 84, and leaders in Nova Scotia recalled his 2009 visit and his focus on shared struggles facing Black communities.

Rev. Jesse Jackson's death was announced Tuesday, and leaders in Nova Scotia expressed mourning while recalling his 2009 visit to the province. Jackson was a long‑time civil rights leader and a protege of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Community members noted his attention to the history and present challenges facing Black people in the region. Key points: - The article reports Jackson died Tuesday in Chicago at age 84. - In June 2009 he visited Cole Harbour and the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in Cherry Brook, where he met local leaders and students. - Local figures, including a Halifax journalist and several church leaders, said they are mourning and remembered his knowledge of African Nova Scotian history and his comments on shared issues such as housing, jobs and health care. - Rev. Mark Jefferson said he expects to reflect on Jackson's legacy with his congregation this weekend. Summary: Leaders across the African Nova Scotian community described Jackson's visit in 2009 as a meaningful connection and expressed mourning at his death. Local reflections and small commemorations were mentioned, and broader plans or actions are undetermined at this time.