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Jesse Jackson and the Making of Modern Black Politics

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This Juneteenth, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s seismic rulings on voting rights, Emmanuel and Kai talk about the legacy of one man: Jesse Jackson. We trace his journey from teenage activist to Martin Luther King Jr.’s inner circle to building a political movement that reshaped America. Along the way: the ambition, conflict, and vision behind one of the most complex figures in Black politics. 

Additional archive: Hosea Williams interview

In this episode, you'll learn about:

  • Jesse Jackson's early years as a civil rights activist
  • His pivotal role in Martin Luther King Jr.'s inner circle
  • How he built a grassroots political movement
  • The ambition, controversy, and vision that defined his legacy
  • What Jackson's story means for Black politics today

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