by Mark Silva
CHICAGO -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson cried last night.
Jackson, who waged his own campaigns for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in the 1980s, stood in Chicago's Grant Park with a quarter-million other cheering people to see Sen. Barack Obama on the night of his election as president. And he, like others, including retired Gen. Colin Powell, watching from afar, cried.
Jackson, asked about his tears in an interview aired by National Public Radio this morning, said: "Well, on the one hand, I saw President Barack Obama standing there looking so majestic. And I knew that people in the villages of Kenya and Haiti, and mansions and palaces in Europe and China, were all watching this young African-American male assume the leadership to take our nation out of a pit to a higher place.
"And then, I thought of who was not there,'' Jackson said on NPR News' Tell Me More. "As mentioned, Medgar Evers, the husband of Sister Myrlie. ...So the martyrs and murdered whose blood made last night possible. I could not help think that this was their night.
"And if I had one wish: if Medgar, or if Dr. King could have just been there for a second in time, would have made my heart rejoice. And so it was kind of duo-fold - his ascension into leadership and the price that was paid to get him there."
On his own role in the ongoing Civil Rights movement, Jackson had this to say: "Well, in some sense to play the role of conscience, to play the role of supporter.
"Dr. King fervently supported Kennedy over Nixon. We still had to march for a public accommodations bill. He supported President Johnson over Goldwater. We still had to march for the right to vote. Now when Mr. Barack Obama gets to Washington, there'll be competition for his attention. And so the Civil Rights Movement must make its presence felt. And the labor movement. And the women's movement."
(The Rev. Jesse Jackson reacts to projections that Sen. Barack Obama will be elected president during the Grant Park rally on election night. Photo by Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
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Comments
Isn't "Medger" actually "Medgar"?
Posted by: DaveB | November 5, 2008 1:34 PM
Dr King might not have been there, you were Jesse. You paved the way, and because of your struggle and hard work, Brack Obama is standing as the first Black President of the United States of America, as proof that your struggle was not in vain.
Posted by: Das | November 5, 2008 1:50 PM
3 years, 11 months, 3 weeks, and 6 days to go till we find a BETTER LIFE FOR AMERICA !
Posted by: NO(b)ama08 | November 5, 2008 1:58 PM
With all due respect, Reverend Jackson, President-elect Obama, is one of many, many good Americans. We don't need any majesties, here in America !!
I would like to take this opportunity, Reverend Jackson and Representative John Lewis, in thanking you and the many other civil-rights leaders, of yesterday, for your incredible contributions, that help to make this day possible. Thanks, for your belief in America and your loyalty, to her !! I hope last night was a small showing of America's appreciation for what you and your great community, the African-American community, has given America.
Now, it is on to Washington, D.C. and support President-elect Obama's vision for America. I know it not that far from yours or mine.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | November 5, 2008 2:58 PM
NO(b)ama08: That "Better Life for America" that you are hoping for could come a whole lot sooner. Specifically, the moment that you stop spreading hate and negativity and actually give your next President a chance. What good will it do for America if you spend the next 4 years "pouting" because you did not get your way? Use your talent of spreading the word, for good.
Posted by: Tee | November 5, 2008 2:59 PM
I cried with you, Jesse. This must be such a beautiful moment, to see what you worked so hard for come true. You have lived your life for the civil rights movement and it has not been in vain. Trust in the Lord with all your heart......
Posted by: debby b | November 5, 2008 3:03 PM
3 years, 11 months, 3 weeks, and 6 days to go till we find a BETTER LIFE FOR AMERICA !
Posted by: NO(b)ama08 | November 5, 2008 1:58 PM
AND THE WHINING HAS ALREADY BEGUN!
Posted by: BC | November 5, 2008 9:28 PM
It was 40 years & 7 months since Dr. King delivered his "Mountaintop" Speech the day before his assasination & Rev. Jesse Jackson was present at both. Isn't it obvious why he was overcome with emotion in the presence of this culminating moment of the Civil Rights movement.
Posted by: Serg | November 6, 2008 2:32 PM
You know its people like NO OBAMA that makes this victory even sweeter. And it doesnt matter if its 3yrs 11mths or whatever we are here NOW and that is what matters, you dont like it, GO OVERSEAS!! i will promise you, you will come back! This is exactly what happens when you are not raised correctly. ALL AMERICANS should be viewed equal and if you dont think so then its YOU that is not AMERICAN! Its Americans that voted this past Tuesday not just blacks and if you want to get technical close to 30million whites voted for Obama and only 14million of blacks voted for him. So i wish haters would quit with the racial slurs and comments, America has finally spoken what they want no matter what race they were DEAL WITH IT!! It will be alot better when you realize that
Posted by: Nikki | November 7, 2008 6:28 PM