Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. encouraged juniors and seniors to engage in democracy by getting involved in the April 5 statewide election and starting a social movement in the community. 

Jackson, civil rights leader, visited students in public schools across the district April 4, the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, in an effort to inspire high school students to tackle social ills.

“I thought it was a message of unity and community,” said web design teacher Milton Bond.

Senior Ebony McGhee-Pippin compared her experience to learning civic duties in the classroom. She said Jackson telling her to vote made doing so even more important. 

“I was honored because I feel like I was in a very historic event,” McGhee-Pippin said. “It was a one in a million opportunity, and if you didn’t embrace it, you’re ignorant.” 

Jackson used basketball players as an example to reach out to students involved in extracurricular activities, reminding them school comes first. He recommended players put as much time into studying as they do for practice. 

“Strong minds bring change,” Jackson said during his speech. 

After an overwhelming number of students stood when he asked if they knew others who considered suicide or tried drugs, Jackson encouraged students to endure life’s challenges. He said he grew tired of hearing negative statistics surrounding inner city children.

“I am somebody,” the crowd repeated after Jackson. “Respect me. Protect me. I will fulfill Dr. King’s legacy.” 

Jackson told students they would inherit the legacy of individuals effecting change in the community by exercising the right to vote. 

 “I’m already into politics, but his speech exemplified why we should go out and vote,” junior Kahrima Winston said. 

Winston, 17, cannot vote because of her age but anticipates the day she will express her political views at the poll. 

Jackson urged students and faculty to carry on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of striving for social equality. 

 “Behind the wall there is ignorance, fear and hatred, so we must pull the walls down and build bridges,” Jackson said. 

Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) Coalition to protect, defend and expand civil rights to improve economic and educational opportunity.