Civil rights activist Al Sharpton said he considers Jackson his mentor and said, "The resignation of Reverend Jesse Jackson is the pivoting of one of the most productive, prophetic, and dominant figures in the struggle for social justice in American history". In August 2000, Bill Clinton awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest honor bestowed on civilians. Jackson’s sons are also involved in politics. He is the father of former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. and current Representative Jonathan Jackson. Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Jaime Harrison released the following statement: “Every so often, there are people whose very presence can change the trajectory of an entire nation. For over 60 years, Reverend Jesse Jackson has been that presence. Throughout his life, Reverend Jackson has dedicated himself to forging a nation that reflects the lofty ideals outlined by our Founding Fathers, that all people are created equal and endowed with the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Simply put, Reverend Jackson has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
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