Durbin Honors Late Reverend Jesse Jackson With Speech On The Senate Floor

Durbin Honors Late Reverend Jesse Jackson With Speech On The Senate Floor

"Reverend Jackson contributed to the betterment of so many people, and he will continue to be a symbol of hope, endurance, and equality long after his death," Durbin said during his speech on the Senate floor

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor honoring the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed last week at the age of 84. In his remarks, Durbin praised Reverend Jackson's lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights.

"The year was 1969. I had just graduated from law school. I was working for the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, a man named Paul Simon. He sent me on a mission. He wanted me to go to my hometown of East St. Louis, Illinois, and then to Cairo, Illinois. Both communities were in desperate need of help. The reason he asked me to go at that time was the fact that the Reverend Jesse Jackson, in 1969, was launching Operation Breadbasket," Durbin began.

"He [Reverend Jackson] was shining a spotlight on the ravages of poverty and the failure of the government to protect those in need. He went through these two communities to listen to the desperate, the damned, and the disinherited," Durbin said.

"As he continued his fight against poverty and injustice, Reverend Jackson became one of the defining voices of the civil rights movement in America. He inspired countless politicians, activists, and preachers to fight for the dignity in every person. In his life, Reverend Jackson contributed to the betterment of so many people, and he will continue to be a symbol of hope, endurance, and equality long after his death," Durbin said.

"His Operation PUSH on the South Side of Chicago is a legendary venue," Durbin continued. "Jesse Jackson for years, for decades, managed to be a leader in our community through Operation PUSH. I'm going to miss him."

"We had each other on speed dial on each other's phones. And he wouldn't hesitate to call me with advice on a regular basis. I was always glad to hear it because it was always heartfelt, and it always focused on helping the little guy," Durbin concluded his remarks.

Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available herefor TV Stations.

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