Remembering Jesse Jackson & his Carolina connections

CHARLOTTE, NC – Reverend Jesse Jackson’s  influence and legacy has spread far and wide but his roots are in the Carolinas.

He was born in Greenville South Carolina and attended North Carolina  A & T.

Locally he played a big part in mentoring our community leaders like current Charlotte City Council member Malcolm Graham.

“I met him for the first time when I was in elementary school,” said Graham, “when he came and spoke out with Up with Hope, Down with Dope campaign.”

Graham is one of millions who grew up with Rev Jesse Jackson being a household name.

“There’s an old saying that Martin marched so Jesse can run and Jesse ran so Obama can win,” said Graham.

Charlotte- Mecklenburg NAACP President Corine Mack was there to watch Jesse Jackson run for president in 1984 and again 1988 volunteering in both campaigns.