Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)
(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson.
“For decades, Reverend Jackson served as the head of Operation Breadbasket – a program of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and later founded his own organization in Chicago, Operation Push, which later became The Rainbow Coalition. Rev. Jesse Jackson stood at the forefront of the struggle for justice, equality, and human dignity. From the days of the Civil Rights Movement to his relentless advocacy for voting rights, economic opportunity, and peace, he never stopped pushing America to live up to its highest ideals. His faith was not quiet, it was active, courageous, and unwavering.
“In Kansas City, and across this nation, we felt the impact of his organizing, his preaching, and his belief that ordinary people could do extraordinary things when they stood together.
“On a personal level, I lost a friend, a mentor, and a brother in the movement. Our conversations about faith, justice, and the long arc of history strengthened me more than he knew.
“His life was a testament to the power of hope and persistence. And while we mourn his passing, we honor him best by continuing the work.
“May he rest in power.”
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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.