Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama paid tribute to the late Reverend Jesse Jackson today, honoring the civil rights icon as a “true giant” whose life work paved the way for their own historic journey to the White House.
“For more than 60 years, Reverend Jackson helped lead some of the most significant movements for change in human history,” the Obamas wrote in a joint statement.
Obamas eulogize Rev Jessie Jackson
They described Jackson as “relentless in his belief that we are all children of God, deserving of dignity and respect,” noting that his influence reached directly into their lives.
The statement revealed a deep personal connection, sharing that “Michelle got her first glimpse of political organizing at the Jacksons’ kitchen table when she was a teenager.”
Obama also credited Jackson’s “two historic runs for president” as the catalyst for his own political rise.
“He laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land,” Obama wrote. “Michelle and I will always be grateful for Jesse’s lifetime of service… We stood on his shoulders.”
