PLBC welcomes noted civil rights leader Jesse Jackson

HARRISBURG, October 21, 2024 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus hosted the Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of the most well-known civil rights leaders of his era, at the state Capitol.
Jackson and members of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition visited Harrisburg to evaluate the progress of the PLBC in Dauphin County regarding voting rights for incarcerated individuals, particularly in relation to Rep. Rick Krajewski’s H.B. 1756. Their goals also include supporting the PLBC tour from this past summer and promoting Black economic development.
“Rev. Jackson has been a pivotal figure in the civil rights and voting rights movements, advocating for social justice and racial equality through grassroots activism and national campaigns,” said Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who chairs the PLBC. “His leadership and unwavering commitment have helped amplify the voices of marginalized communities and shaped critical dialogues around civil rights issues in America.”
Jackson was recognized by both state legislative bodies for founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which advocates for civil rights, economic equality, voting rights, and social justice. He played a crucial role in pushing for federal and state legislators to implement legislation addressing voter impediments, affirmative action in contracts, and major civil rights campaigns, including the push for economic empowerment.
“Let me express my thanks to the members of the Pennsylvania Senate and House for welcoming me and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I am honored to be hosted by Ms. Joanna McClinton, the first African American female speaker of the Pennsylvania House,” Jackson said.
The Rainbow PUSH team started their day in Harrisburg by meeting with McClinton. Jackson then participated in a “Lunch and Learn” session focused on the issue of disenfranchisement of incarcerated voters.
Jackson has been a prominent advocate for voting rights since the 1980s. His work continues to be relevant in ongoing discussions about electoral access and fairness.
“I have continued to emphasize the need for equitable access to voting and continued to highlight the impact of voter suppression tactics that disproportionally affected African American voters,” Jackson said. “This is one of the many voter registration and voter engagement drives I have led urging African Americans and other minorities to register and vote.
“I have spoken out against strict voter ID laws and urged states to pass laws allowing persons awaiting trial to vote in county jails and to allow convicted felons who have served their sentences to have their full citizenship rights restored, allowing them to register and vote. I have often said that the vote is our most powerful weapon, emphasizing its importance in achieving social justice and equality.”
“We are truly honored to have the successor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the ‘Drum Major for Justice,’ visit us today in Harrisburg,” Nelson said.
Established as an official caucus in 1973, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus was formed to empower Black legislators and to serve as an information and advocacy vehicle to advance the interests of Black, Latino, and other Pennsylvanians of color. Many of the original members were afraid to meet in an open forum and had previously met in secret to establish a shared legislative agenda.