Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Visits Gettysburg College

Posted By Vincent DiFonzo on Oct 24, 2024 | 1 comment

Students and community members pose for a photo with Rev. Jesse Jackson during his visit to campus on Tuesday, Oct. 22. (Photo courtesy Gettysburg College)

By Vincent DiFonzo, Editor-in-Chief

On Tuesday, prominent civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson traveled to Gettysburg College and visited students taking a course taught by Africana studies professor Hakim Mohandas Amani Williams. 

Jackson and his son, former Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., visited students taking the course, “Education for Social Change.” Topics of discussion included the upcoming election and how of the Battle of Gettysburg helped in opening a path to a more diverse America. 

Jackson stopped in Gettysburg while traveling through the key swing state of Pennsylvania with leaders of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization he founded which “[empowers] people through the effective use of grassroots advocacy, issue orientation and connections between the greater community and the disenfranchised.” They visited Gettysburg College following a meeting with the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus in Harrisburg. 

Jackson began his career in the mid-1960s, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr and quickly establishing himself as a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. 

Over 20 students were present in the class when Jackson visited. 

Eisenhower Institute Executive Director Tracie Potts pictured next to Rev. Jesse Jackson during his visit to campus. (Photo courtesy Tracie Potts)

“It was a monumental experience to have someone of political, religious and personal significance speak to us and plant a seed in us that we can grow on campuses,” Jamir Wesley ’25 told the College, reflecting on the visit. “It was important, it was powerful and it was something that we don’t get to have every day.”

Eisenhower Institute Executive Director Tracie Potts was also present during Jackson’s visit. “It’s rare to show up at work in the morning and end up unexpectedly sitting next to a civil rights icon before day’s end,” stated Potts. 

“Now I’ve had the honor of a warm handshake from a leader who has not let age or health deter him from the mission of fighting for peace, equity and justice,” Potts remarked.