Bloomington-Normal leaders reflect on Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy

Local leaders in Bloomington-Normal reflected on the life and influence of Rev. Jesse Jackson after his death at age 84, noting his personal touch and community work such as scholarships and labor support.

Community leaders in Bloomington-Normal reflected on the life and influence of Rev. Jesse Jackson after his death at age 84. They remembered both his public campaigns and personal interactions with local residents. Some recalled his visits to Bloomington and the scholarships his Rainbow PUSH coalition provided. Others noted his role in national labor and civil rights efforts that reached local communities. Community remembrances: - The Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at age 84. - Carla Campbell-Jackson of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP recalled Jackson patting her son Bradley's afro and showing personal warmth; Bradley Ross Jackson has received an annual scholarship from Jackson's Rainbow PUSH coalition and is now a student at Morehouse College. - Linda Foster, president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP, said she first met Jackson in 2021 when he led a march in honor of Jelani Day. - Mboka Mwailambwe, a former Bloomington mayor, said seeing Jackson's 1984 presidential campaign influenced his decision to study in the United States and later run for office; he met Jackson in 2021. - Labor leader Mike Matejka said Jackson visited Bloomington in 1988 to support striking workers at the Nestle plant and called for a boycott during that campaign stop. Summary: Leaders described a legacy that combined personal engagement with public campaigns, from youth scholarships to labor advocacy. Undetermined at this time.