Gainesville’s Newtown Floris Club remembered Rev. Jesse Jackson Tuesday as “a civil rights leader, minister, and tireless advocate whose voice echoed through some of the most defining moments in American history.”
Jackson died early Tuesday at the age of 84.
Ordained as a Baptist minister, Rev. Jackson rose to national prominence working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.
“After Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, he continued the fight for economic justice and equal opportunity, later founding Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization dedicated to social change, voter empowerment, education equity, and corporate accountability,” the civil rights and environmental organization noted in a Facebook post.
“In 1984 and 1988, he made history with groundbreaking presidential campaigns that expanded political participation and inspired millions to believe their voices mattered. His advocacy extended beyond U.S. borders, speaking out for human rights, peace, and fairness around the world. Through faith, activism, and bold leadership, he challenged America to live up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.
Rev. Jackson often reminded us: ‘Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.’ His life embodied that principle — lifting communities, challenging injustice, and again calling the nation to live up to its highest ideals.
One of his most powerful and enduring messages came through his “I Am Somebody” speech — an affirmation that uplifted generations:
‘I am somebody.
I may be poor, but I am somebody.
I may be young, but I am somebody.
I may make mistakes, but I am somebody.
My clothes are different, My face is different,
My hair is different, But I am Somebody.
I am Black, Brown, or White.
I speak a different language,
But I must be Respected, Protected, Never rejected.
“I️ am Black and I am Beautiful!
I am God’s child! I️ am Somebody!
“My mind is a pearl. I can learn anything anyone can learn. When I leave here, I’m going to hold my head up high.”
Those words became more than a chant — they became a declaration of dignity, worth, and divine purpose, the post continued.
“May we honor his legacy not only with remembrance, but with action — continuing the work of justice, affirming human dignity, equality, faith in motion, and reminding the next generation that they, too, are somebody!”