Duckworth Statement on the Passing of Civil Rights Giant Reverend Jesse Jackson

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] –U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson:

“Reverend Jesse Jackson was a barrier-breaking civil rights giant who spent his days, his nights—and his whole life—working to improve the lives of others and patch America together into a ‘great quilt of unity and common ground.’

“He grew up in a South that was marred by segregated lunch counters and water fountains. But that never, ever stopped him from believing that America could—would—be better if we all had the courage to speak out, to sit in, to march across every bridge and through any obstacle that stood in the way of progress.

“America is not, and has never been, perfect. But we are closer to that more perfect union our founders dreamed of because of him.

“I’m endlessly grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know Reverend Jackson over the years. I, like so many others, will miss him deeply.

“Thank you for keeping the hope alive, Reverend Jackson. Now it’s on each of us to carry your torch forward.”

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