(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the following statement on the passing of Jesse Jackson:
“From a library in Greenville, South Carolina, to the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta to the halls of Congress, elected by the people of DC to represent us as one of our first shadow senators, Rev. Jesse Jackson was a fighter, a man who lived the sense of hope that he preached, a champion whose courage changed the course of history.
“For many in our country, he was the first person they heard make the case for DC statehood. The first person they heard say: It’s the right thing to do.
“He preached the stories and lessons of the giants whose shoulders we stand upon, and in time, became a giant himself. I am blessed to have known and learned from Rev. Jackson.
“Rev. Jackson’s life embodied his mantra: I am somebody. And with that mantra, and through his indomitable and unstoppable courage, he not only inspired people to believe that we could build a more equal and just America, he inspired us to act in ways that make it possible.
“In 1988, he said then that we were at a crossroads, and he posed this question: Shall we expand, be inclusive, find unity and power; or suffer division and impotence?
“It is a question as relevant today as when he asked it. And in Rev. Jackson’s name and memory, we must continue fighting for the answer we know our nation deserves.
“To the Jackson family, Washingtonians share our condolences and gratitude, our prayers and our pride, and our commitment to carry forward Rev. Jackson’s extraordinary legacy. Rest in Power, Reverend.”
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