Rest In Power, Reverend Jackson
Reverend Jackson visited my school in 84(?) 88(?) and I was lucky to hear him speak. MSU chose the auditorium in the music department, but they should have chosen a much bigger venue.
What did I take away from that experience? I saw someone who was unapologetic about what he had to offer. He didn't mind calling out the ways we might be remiss. At one point in his speech he asked every Black person in the room to raise their hands. Then he said to keep them raised if they were registered to vote. Quite a few people put their hands down. There was a pause.
"Does it do any good for me to get up here and try to amply my voice and the voices of our people if y'all are going to stay home?"
He wasn't talking to me, but he left an indelible message in my mind and heart from an older brother in faith. His words pressed on me the importance of our duty as Americans. I have never missed voting at an election.
Below are some videos of Reverend Jackson and the documentary about the 1972 WattStax Festival. Some of the language might offend. Just a word of warning for the very sensitive.
What did I take away from that experience? I saw someone who was unapologetic about what he had to offer. He didn't mind calling out the ways we might be remiss. At one point in his speech he asked every Black person in the room to raise their hands. Then he said to keep them raised if they were registered to vote. Quite a few people put their hands down. There was a pause.
"Does it do any good for me to get up here and try to amply my voice and the voices of our people if y'all are going to stay home?"
He wasn't talking to me, but he left an indelible message in my mind and heart from an older brother in faith. His words pressed on me the importance of our duty as Americans. I have never missed voting at an election.
Below are some videos of Reverend Jackson and the documentary about the 1972 WattStax Festival. Some of the language might offend. Just a word of warning for the very sensitive.