Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. touched the lives of countless people in Chicago and across the country with his tireless dedication to economic empowerment. He worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, showed great leadership in the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, created policy that paved the way for leaders like former President Barack Obama, and championed peace and equality wherever he saw injustices.
Rev. Jackson also relentlessly advocated for diversity in leadership and expanding opportunities for all, a vision dear to the Women’s Business Development Center. His work sparked real, lasting change, opening doors to capital, jobs, and business ownership for many. He inspired generations, including those at the WBDC like co-founder Hedy Ratner. She worked alongside Rev. Jackson and Rainbow PUSH for decades. He honored her with a lifetime achievement award in 2006. Much like the WBDC, Rev. Jackson encouraged financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and equal opportunity for everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, or creed.
We are saddened by his loss and deeply grateful for the lasting impact of his legacy.