The Fritz Pollard Alliance mourns the passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., a towering leader whose life’s work transformed the fight for inclusion, equity, opportunity, and justice.  His trajectory as a renowned civil rights leader began at North Carolina A&T where he served as both a student athlete who quarterbacked the football team, and as student body president leading lunch counter boycotts before later emerging as an international leader for civil rights.

Reverend Jackson went on to quarterback inclusion and equity in all walks of life after college as the founder of the Rainbow Push Coalition and as a Presidential candidate breaking barriers along the way.He opened minds and doors paving the way for the next generation.He lifted up human dignity, ensuring generations of young people could grow up with pride knowing that “You Are Somebody” applied to them.

He also was a steadfast supporter of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, attending our Salute to Excellence events and supporting our efforts to level the playing field in America’s Game.  He wanted to ensure that Black coaches had a fair opportunity to become Head Coaches and that Black officials had a fair opportunity to become NFL Game Day officials; he advocated courageously for equity, fairness, and inclusion at all levels and in all positions across the NFL. He stood with us shoulder to shoulder.

John Wooten, co-founder of both the FPA in 2003 and the Black Economic Union in the 1960s, was a long-time confidant of Reverend Jackson.  He stated, in remembrance:

“Jesse Jackson was a great American.  He made sure everyone knows “You are Somebody.” That is the way all of us should look at each other: everyone is equal. Let’s pledge to show each other respect and kindness in every way – each and every day. Rest well my friend – you ran a great race and you finished the race. God Bless you and the United States of America.”

All of us at the Fritz Pollard Alliance celebrate and honor the remarkable life of Reverend Jesse Jackson.