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Statement In Remembrance of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson

It is with profound sadness that we, the Council members, and staff of the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy at Howard University, offer our condolences to Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson, the children of Rev. Jackson, other family members, and his staff members who helped him make a meaningful difference in the world. 

When the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center was established, one of the first names considered for membership on the Advisory Council was Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson. It was only logical because Dr. Walters had been the policy advisor for both of Rev. Jackson’s presidential campaigns. We thank him for his service on our Council and on boards and committees for which he received no pay.

When some Black leaders were downplaying the ability of Rev. Jackson to run a credible race for President, Dr. Walters gave him data and policy analyses that supported the slogan, “Run Jesse Run”. In the words of Jesse Jackson Jr, "Dr. Walters was the driving force behind the adoption of proportional allocation of delegates in the Democratic primary system". Rev Jackson, therefore, had Dr. Walters appear before the Democratic Committee to present this to them. Rev Jackson prevailed, and the rest is history.

Rev. Jackson was one of the few people who knew about Dr. Walters’ terminal illness. He ministered to him in the hospital, officiated at one service, gave the eulogy at the other, and presided over the burial. He continued to check on Mrs. Walters after Dr. Walters's passing.

Even though Rev. Jackson was a North Carolina A&T Aggie, he left his footprint at Howard University. As he had done on other occasions, despite his failing health, he came to the Howard University campus in November 2021 to show his support for the student demonstrators. He wanted the students to know that he was standing with them.

We join people around the world in mourning the passing of Rev. Jackson. He had an immeasurable impact on people who often felt that no one cared for them. The chants of “I Am Somebody” had poor, young, forgotten, disrespected, rejected, and unprotected people lifting their heads, getting involved, knowing that they were God’s Children. When people are feeling downtrodden, the words of Rev. Jackson, “Keep Hope Alive” help them to make it through another day.

Patricia Turner Walters

Chair, Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center

Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D.

Director, Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center 

Welcome to the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center

Howard University established it to honor the legacy of Dr. Ronald Walters, a distinguished scholar-activist, mentor, and advocate for social change.

The Ronald Walters Center stands as a beacon of excellence, fostering research, facilitating policy discussions, and nurturing leadership in areas central to the engagement of African Americans in the U.S. political process. Our vision is to become the foremost academic center for research on policy issues, driving meaningful change and advancing societal equity.

We invite you to explore the Ronald Walters Center and join us in our mission to uphold Dr. Walters' legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and academic excellence.

About the Center