Final Week of the 2026 Centennial Celebration of Black History Month
As we celebrate the centennial of Black History Month in 2026—launched by Carter G. Woodson in 1926—Rosemont College honors the trailblazers who’ve advanced justice. This final week, Campus Ministry spotlights Rev. Jesse Jackson on the TV screen in the Sharon Latchaw Hirsh Community Center lobby. Jackson, who passed away on February 17, 2026, at 84, leaves an indelible legacy.
From marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to pioneering presidential bids, here are five ways he shaped civil rights—reminding us why his story resonates today.
- Mentorship Under MLK and Early Activism: Jackson joined the civil rights movement as a protégé of King, participating in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches and leading SCLC’s Chicago branch. He expanded King’s vision by heading Operation Breadbasket, boycotting businesses to boost Black employment and economic empowerment.
- Founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition: In 1971, Jackson established Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity), later merging it with the Rainbow Coalition in 1996. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition championed voter registration, economic justice, and anti discrimination efforts, mobilizing diverse communities for change.
- Groundbreaking Presidential Campaigns: His 1984 and 1988 runs as a Democrat made history, winning millions of votes and primaries in states like Michigan. Jackson’s “Rainbow Coalition” platform united Blacks, Latinos, LGBTQ+ folks, and progressives, pushing the Democratic Party toward inclusivity.
- International Diplomacy and Anti Apartheid Work: Jackson negotiated hostage releases in Syria and Iraq, opposed South African apartheid by rallying for Nelson Mandela’s freedom, and advocated for global peace, extending civil rights beyond US borders.
- Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights and Social Justice: An early supporter, Jackson included LGBTQ+ issues in his 1984 DNC speech and pushed for marriage equality. In later years, he fought voter suppression, police brutality, and economic inequality, inspiring movements like Black Lives Matter.
February: 100 Years of Black History Month!
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month—founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1926—Rosemont College's Campus Ministry has spotlighted inspiring Black trailblazers each week with dedicated slides on the TV screen in the Sharon Latchaw Hirsh Community Center lobby, complemented by engaging articles on our website. Join us in honoring Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights icon and hope-keeper; Ryan Coogler, the visionary filmmaker behind cultural blockbusters; Dr. Gladys West, the pioneering mathematician who revolutionized GPS; and Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History." Learn more in the Cultural Heritage Gallery.
