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52 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2026 Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.: e Bridge Over Troubled Waters (1941–2026) On Feb. 17, Jesse Jackson passed away at the age of 84. The news evoked the imagery of Paul Simon's song, "Bridge Over Troubled Water." From the 1960s until his death, Jackson served as the living embodiment of that anthem, laying himself down to provide a path where none existed. He consistently stepped forward to bridge gaps between the most pivotal events in American history: In 1966, Jackson became the national director of Operation Breadbasket, where he linked civil rights with economic power. He negotiated covenants with major corporations to ensure Black workers were hired and that products produced by Black-owned companies reached store shelves. In 1983 when formal diplomacy failed, Jackson stepped into the "troubled waters" of international conf lict. He successfully negotiated the release of Navy Lt. Robert Goodman from Syria and later secured the freedom of forty-eight prisoners from Fidel Castro in Cuba. Through his 1984 and 1988 presidential runs, Jackson united marginalized groups and registered over four million new voters, proving that a multiracial coalition was the future of American democracy. In 1990, on the eve of the Persian Gulf War, Jackson traveled to Baghdad. He negotiated directly with Saddam Hussein to secure the release of hundreds of foreign women and children being held as "human shields." In 1999, amidst the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, Jackson led a religious delegation to Belgrade. Against the odds, he secured the release of three U.S. soldiers captured on the Macedonian border. In 2000, Jesse Jackson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for a lifelong commitment to social change. As founder of Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition, he fought for racial and economic equality. Jesse Louis Jackson is survived by Jacqueline, his wife of 64 years, six children, and many grandchildren. His mantra, "I Am Somebody," stands as a testament to how one individual can function as a bridge-builder for peace in a turbulent world. We will hold our membership drive during the next meeting on Monday, April 6 at 6 pm at The Courts. For information, contact Club President, EJ Doucette, at earl@theinsuranceprofessor.net. ~ Regina omas African American Cultural Club He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from North Carolina A&T State University in 1964. He later attended the Chicago eological Seminary and was ordained as a minister in 1968. Jesse Jackson with his wife Jacqueline and children

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