Welcome to Voices In The Wilderness!

Some individuals commit their lives to improving others. Their faith and beliefs in fairness and equality motivate them. The Reverend Jesse Jackson was raised during the time of Jim Crow segregation. Despite this, he saw a greater vision of equality for all citizens, regardless of color, race, or religion. His vision wasn’t shaped by the standards of the day, but by a biblical faith that people should be free to live equally.

Npr.org: 60 years after bloody Sunday in Selma

Some of the major events involving Jesse Jackson: 

• 1960’s Civil Rights Movement
• 1965 Selma to Montgomery Marches – which was led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These marches led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibited racial discrimination in voting. 
• 1966 -1968 Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) – he became a prominent young leader of the (SCLC). They expanded Operation Breadbasket. Its aim was to pressure companies to hire and promote Black workers as a goal for economic justice. 
• 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike – Jackson was present when Dr. King as assassinated, which occurred during this strike. The famous slogan, “I AM A MAN”, became a statement emphasizing dignity. 

broomestgeneral.com: The History of I AM A MAN…

• 1970s: Broadening of Economic and Political Influence 
• 1971 – Operation Push was founded to focus on increasing voter registration, corporate hiring accountability and economic empowerment. 
• 1970’s – International Diplomacy – Rev. Jackson negotiated the release political prisoners abroad as well as American hostages thus magnifying his global reputation. 

• 1980’s: Presidential Runs for Office 
• 1984 – Jesse Jackson’s First Presidential Run and founding of the National Rainbow Coalition. The coalition sought to be an inclusive organization. It aimed to unite minorities, farmers, progressives, and blue-collar voters. He won several primaries that were instrumental in shaping the Democratic Party. 
• 1988 – Jesse Jackson’s Second Run. He won 11 primaries. His was the most successful presidential campaign of its time by an African American. His run for office substantially increased minority voter turnout. 

• 1990’s – 2000’s: Expanded Activism and Civil Rights Furtherance
• 1990- Elected as the “Shadow Senator” for Washington, DC.
• 1990 – 2000’s – Rev. Jackson continued focus on Civil Rights Activism, voting rights, social justice, law enforcement transparency and accountability, economic empowerment and justice. 

The life of Rev. Jesse Jackson was one of lifelong service to the principle he believed in. We should embody the principles of the Word of God. This will help make our world a better place for our families, children, and fellow man and woman! 

Scriptures to keep in mind:

• Proverbs 3:5–6
  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths”.
• Psalm 119:105
  “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path”.
• Psalm 32:8
  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye”.
• Isaiah 30:21
  “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left”.
• Proverbs 16:9
  “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps”.

The Lord will guide you and order your steps when you remain focused on Him. He will take you to places you never thought you would be. The journey may not be in the media, social media or even spoken of, but it would have benefited someone.  So, walk your walk daily seeking to trust in His guidance and remember, you are not alone!  

The Gospel means good news for every situation!