ADC Statement On the Passing of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson

Washington, D.C. | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) mourns the passing of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a towering figure of the Black freedom struggle whose life’s work advanced the pursuit of justice in America and championed human rights around the world. 

As a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a national leader within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Rev. Jackson helped carry the civil rights movement beyond the landmark victories of the 1960s into a broader struggle for voting rights, economic justice, labor dignity, and full participation in American democracy. He challenged systemic inequality, mobilized new generations of voters, and insisted that civil rights must translate into real political power.

“Rev. Jackson was a true friend of the Arab American community and an ally who made room for our voices without hesitation,” said ADC National Chairman Dr. Safa Rifka. “He helped open doors for our political participation and stood up for Palestinian self-determination when others stayed silent. He will be remembered not only for what he did to advance the cause of civil rights, but for the lessons he shared in pushing this country closer to equal protection and dignity for all.” 

Through his 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns and the Rainbow Coalition, Rev. Jackson reshaped American politics by bringing communities long excluded from political life into the center of democratic participation. His historic address at the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco challenged the nation to choose “war or peace,” placing moral clarity and human rights at the center of presidential politics.

Rev. Jackson was a consistent and principled voice against war and militarism. He believed America’s moral standing depended not only on justice at home, but on the pursuit of diplomacy and human rights abroad. He understood that the fight against racism in the United States was inseparable from global struggles against apartheid, occupation, and oppression. His witness on these issues was rooted in his faith and unwavering belief in the dignity and humanity of all people.

For Arab Americans, Rev. Jackson was a courageous ally at a time when our community was largely excluded from political participation. In the 1980s, when engaging Arab Americans politically and calling for Palestinian self-determination was treated as controversial, he did so without hesitation. He affirmed our rightful place in American public life and welcomed our full participation in the democratic process.

At the 1984 Democratic National Convention, he declared, “Old wine skins must make room for new wine. We must heal and expand. The Rainbow Coalition is making room for Arab Americans. They, too, know the pain and hurt of racial and religious rejection. They must not continue to be made pariahs.”

During his presidential campaigns, Arab Americans mobilized in unprecedented numbers. As part of the Rainbow Coalition, our community was included and respected. By welcoming Arab Americans into a broad, multi-ethnic coalition for justice, he helped lay the groundwork for a turning point in our communities’ political empowerment and civic engagement in the decades that followed. Rev. Jackson spoke openly about the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people, and defended the rights of Arab Americans within party structures at a time when such positions required uncommon political courage.

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy is one of solidarity across communities. He reminds the nation that the struggle for Black civil rights, the fight against discrimination against Arab Americans, and the global pursuit of peace are interconnected. He challenged all of us to build coalitions rooted in justice and mutual respect.

ADC extends its deepest condolences to his family and to all who were inspired by his extraordinary life. We honor Rev. Jackson’s legacy by recommitting ourselves to the principles he championed: civil rights, equal protection, meaningful political participation, and peace grounded in justice and self-determination for all.

May his memory be a blessing, and may we prove worthy of the path he helped to open.