SPRINGFIELD — Following the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) released the following statement:
“Jesse Jackson led a life of service. He bravely fought for civil rights and united people of different races, cultures and beliefs. He knew that disinvestment hurt all working people. He fought for dignity, equity and opportunity for all people and his lessons are as important today as they have ever been.
“As a young man, I stood next to him on the steps of the Capitol as he delivered a speech to over 10,000 members of organized labor who were protesting diminishing workplace protections. I will never forget when he said, ‘What will you think when they turn out the lights in your factory? What will happen to you when they lock the doors? How will you survive? One thing I can assure you is this: when they turn out the lights in your factory, you will not care much about the skin color of the person working next to you.’ The crowd roared, and more than any other moment of my career, I knew I was on the right team.
“Thank you for the inspiration, Rev. Jackson. Rest in peace. You’ve earned it.”
