Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has paid tribute to the Reverend Jesse Jackson, recognizing his impact on civil rights and American politics.
“The Reverend Jackson was an influential civil rights icon, who marched with and worked for the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a trailblazing presidential candidate in 1984 and again in 1988, when he won 11 states in the Democratic primaries. An ordained Baptist minister, his historic campaigns helped set the stage for politicians to follow, and he was an enduring part of our nation’s story and public policy discussions for the past generation,” Amata said.
She recalled meeting Jackson personally at a funeral for a congressional colleague. “I was able to talk with him and shake his hand a few years ago at a funeral for a colleague in Congress. He will be missed.”
Amata also highlighted Jackson’s efforts to increase voter registration among Americans and his work addressing poverty. “His many legacies include the voter registrations of millions of Americans, and efforts against poverty. He was a passionate advocate for his progressive beliefs, always helping clarify the national political debates of his time. In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded the Rev. Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
She noted her connection to Rep. Jonathan Luther Jackson, one of Reverend Jackson’s children: “He is the father of my current House colleague, Rep. Jonathan Luther Jackson, and we serve together on the Foreign Affairs Committee.”
Amata concluded by offering condolences: “My condolences to the entire Jackson family and the millions of Americans who have held him in high esteem for decades. May God be with and bless them in this time, and may God bless the United States.”
