Appalachian State’s University Forum Committee will be hosting Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Shaefer Center for the Performing Arts from 7 to 8 p.m. A reception will be held from 8 to 8:30 p.m.
Reverend Jackson, known as “the Great Unifier,” will be speaking about civil rights, his topic being “With Justice for All: Human Rights and Civil Rights at Home and Abroad.”
Jackson is founder and President of the Rainbow PUSH coalition, based in Washington, D.C., which, according to its website, is “a multi-racial, multi-issue, progressive, international membership organization fighting for social change.” Their mission is “to protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world.”

Jackson has a politically charged background that has incited historical change. According to his biography in the Rainbow PUSH coalition’s website, he worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement. His 1984 presidential campaign “registered over one million new voters, won 3.5 million votes, and helped the Democratic Party regain control of the Senate in 1986.” Jackson was elected Senator of Washington, D.C. in 1991, where he further advocated for the “rainbow” agenda of promoting civil rights.
To say Jackson paved the road for further political activism would be an understatement. His inclusivity-based ideals are both nationally and internationally celebrated and sought after within politics.
“With Justice for All: Human Rights and Civil Rights at Home and Abroad” is open for the general public to attend. Seats are first come, first served. On-campus parking will be free since the event is after 5 p.m. For more information, visit: https://universityforum.appstate.edu/
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