How Jesse Jackson paved way for Barack Obama – and helped change US

Jesse Jackson’s enduring legacy as a civil rights leader has significantly shaped American political history, most notably by laying crucial groundwork for the presidential aspirations and eventual success of Barack Obama. Jackson’s activism, deeply rooted in the Black church tradition of the Deep South, extended its reach and influence to the highest echelons of American power, ultimately impacting the nation’s trajectory. His work over decades challenged racial barriers and fostered a more inclusive political landscape, creating an environment where a candidate like Obama could emerge and resonate with a broader electorate. This transformation in American society, propelled by figures like Jackson, was instrumental in fundamentally altering the country’s understanding of leadership and representation.