Jesse Jackson Kept Hope Alive For Black America, Africa — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to civil rights icon, Reverend Jesse Jackson, describing him as a moral force who “kept hope alive” for Black America and Africa throughout decades of struggle for justice and equality.

In a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, the President joined the United States and the rest of the world in mourning the renowned Baptist preacher and activist, who passed away at the age of 84.

Tinubu said Jackson captured the global imagination as a young activist working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the fight for the dignity of Black people, the oppressed and the voiceless in the United States and beyond.

According to the President, although Jackson built a career as a preacher and political organiser, he became a national and global icon who consistently demanded improved social and economic conditions for African-Americans.

He noted that Jackson carried on the unfinished business of King in the noble fight for racial justice, insisting that his lifelong activism helped bend the arc of American society closer to its founding ideals.

Reflecting on his personal connection, Tinubu recalled that as a student in the United States in the 1970s, he lived in Chicago — the same city where Jackson fought some of his most important battles against injustice and discrimination.

“I witnessed firsthand how, as a faithful servant of God and humanity, he pointed the arc of American society to the great promise of the American dream,” the President said.

Tinubu added that if Barack Obama emerged as the first Black President of the United States, it was because Jackson and other activists refused to relent in their march for justice, constantly reminding America of its values and creed.

He observed that Jackson had already “inflicted the cracks” on the glass ceiling when he offered himself as a Democratic Party presidential contender in 1984 and again in 1988 — long before Obama’s historic victory.

Beyond America, the Nigerian leader described Jackson as a great friend of Africa who was a formidable voice against apartheid in South Africa. He said the cleric played a leading role in the campaign for the release of Nelson Mandela and other leaders of the African National Congress, helping to galvanise support for sanctions against the apartheid regime.

Tinubu further recalled that during Nigeria’s era of military dictatorship, Jackson stood firmly in defence of human rights and the restoration of democratic rule. He noted that Jackson served as Special Envoy appointed by President Bill Clinton to Nigeria and Africa in 1997 and 1999.

“In Nigeria and across Africa, Reverend Jackson promoted civil liberties and advanced the course of democracy and good governance. He also helped link African leaders with the Congressional Black Caucus to promote Africa’s interests in Washington,” Tinubu said.

Describing Jackson’s life as remarkable, the President said he remained a strong voice for universal ideals of justice and human progress even as age and illness mellowed him.

“He wanted us to keep hope alive,” Tinubu said, praying that the “great and noble soul” of the civil rights leader would find eternal rest.

Jackson’s death, Tinubu noted, marked the end of an era but not the end of a movement built on faith, resilience and the enduring quest for equality across continents.