Former ATL Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms In Her Own Words, Reverend Jesse Jackson

Reverend Jesse Jackson was a Civil Rights icon, fighting for a country that treated all of us equally – no matter our race, color, or religion. For so many children and future leaders in my generation, he taught us that we are somebody.

Reverend Jackson was an inspiration to many with his boldness, never-ending quest for this country to live up to its ideals, and his commitment to always call out injustice wherever he saw it.

I remember the pride I felt as a teenager watching Rev. Jackson’s keynote speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention and hearing him share his vision for a country that included all of us.

Years later, I had the opportunity to work with him as mayor and in the White House. Reverend Jackson spent every day of his career fighting for a more prosperous and peaceful world. From his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement to his historic presidential campaigns and activism across the world, he always put the ideals of helping one another first. We remember his legacy today, and we remember that even in difficult times, we must keep hope alive.