‘He gave me my wings’: Jesse Jackson opened doors for Black women in politics

February 17, 2026

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died at 84, played a pivotal role in expanding Black women's political influence within the Democratic Party through his 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns. By building a diverse Rainbow Coalition that centered historically marginalized groups, Jackson created opportunities for young Black women to serve as organizers, strategists, and decision-makers in national politics.

Who is affected

Black women political strategists and organizers, particularly Leah Daughtry, Donna Brazile, Minyon Moore, Melanie Campbell, and Glynda Carr
Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters
Former Vice President Kamala Harris
Millions of newly registered voters, especially Black voters, women, young people, and working-class Americans
The Democratic Party and its leadership structure
Members of the Rainbow Coalition and Rainbow PUSH Coalition

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The article focuses on Jackson's historical impact and legacy following his death, rather than current initiatives.

Why it matters

Jackson's work fundamentally transformed Democratic Party politics by centering previously excluded communities and normalizing Black women's leadership in national political strategy and decision-making. His push for proportional delegate representation created fairer primary systems that enhanced political representation for diverse communities. The mentorship and opportunities he provided to Black women created a pipeline of influential political leaders who continue to shape American politics, as evidenced by Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential nomination. His coalition-building model demonstrated that diverse groups working together have greater electoral power than any single community acting alone.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th