Publisher Description

Jesse Jackson, a powerful orator and indefatigable organizer, has been one of the most dynamic forces for social and political action in both the US and international arenas, campaigning for human rights and social justice. Through social action projects, as well as his own candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president in 1984 and 1988, Jackson became a worldwide spokesman for the minorities, marginalized, and poor. This biography traces his rise from his single-parent upbringing in Greenville, South Carolina, through his civil rights work with Martin Luther King, to social and political leadership, audacious international diplomacy, and continued efforts to "keep hope alive." It also covers his personal struggles and family life and includes commentary from those who have known him over the years. For decades, Reverend Jesse Jackson has been the foremost African-American activist and leader. He has used his considerable talent, charisma, and ambition with great success, and his many accomplishments are discussed here. Readers will learn how Jackson has manipulated the system to fight for economic justice and political goals, breaking new ground.He and his actions have also engendered animosity, resentment, and scorn, and critical views of him are presented as well. Numerous photos complement the biography.

Author Biography

Roger Bruns is an independent scholar and prolific author of nonfiction and biographies, including on evangelists Billy Sunday and Billy Graham.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword Introduction Timeline of Events in the Life of Jesse Jackson "Our Time Has Come" South Carolina College, Jackie, and the Birth of an Activist Joining the King Movement Operation Breadbasket Assassination and Aftermath Operation PUSH The National Rainbow Coalition and the Election of 1984 "Common Ground and Common Sense" Keeping a National Voice The Business Hustle "Keep Hope Alive" Bibliography Index

Review

"Written in a reader friendly format, it is ideal for secondary school assignments and research projects." - Multicultural Review
"Presenting critical as well as positive views of Jesse Jackson, this biography for high school students and general readers traces Jackson's rise from obscurity in South Carolina through his civil rights work with Martin Luther King, his social and political leadership, and his international diplomacy. It also covers his personal and family life and includes commentary from those who have known him, plus a chronology." - Reference & Research Book News
"Is this a reference book or should it be in the biography section? Because this book has so much to offer in tracing the Civil Rights movement, it could be considered a reference....This Africa-American activist and leader fights for change and economic justice, as well as furthering political goals through his Rainbow Coalition....If you can't decide whether it belongs in reference or biographies, get one for both." - Gale- Reference Reviews- Reviews For Students
"[A]n excellent pick for public libraries and high schools seeking lasting biographical references with depth." - KNLS Bookwatch/MBR Internet Bookwatch

Promotional

The towering accomplishments of the nation's foremost minority activist leader are put in historical, personal, and critical perspective and will inspire a new generation of readers.

Long Description

Jesse Jackson, a powerful orator and indefatigable organizer, has been one of the most dynamic forces for social and political action in both the national and international arenas, campaigning for human rights and social justice. Through such social action projects as Operation Breadbasket, Operation PUSH, and the Rainbow Coalition, as well as his own candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president in 1984 and 1988, Jackson became a worldwide spokesman for the minorities, marginalized, and poor. This biography traces his rise from his single-parent upbringing in Greenville, South Carolina, through his civil rights work with Martin Luther King Jr., to social and political leadership, audacious international diplomacy, and continued efforts to keep hope alive. It also covers his personal struggles and family life and includes commentary from those who have known him over the years. Jesse Jackson, a powerful orator and indefatigable organizer, has been one of the most dynamic forces for social and political action in both the national and international arenas, campaigning for human rights and social justice. Through such social action projects as Operation Breadbasket, Operation PUSH, and the Rainbow Coalition, as well as his own candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president in 1984 and 1988, Jackson became a worldwide spokesman for the minorities, marginalized, and poor. This biography traces his rise from his single-parent upbringing in Greenville, South Carolina, through his civil rights work with Martin Luther King Jr., to social and political leadership, audacious international diplomacy, and continued efforts to keep hope alive. It also covers his personal struggles and family life and includes commentary from those who have known him over the years. For decades, Reverend Jesse Jackson has been the nation's foremost African-American activist and leader. He has used his considerable talent, charisma, and ambition with great success, and the many accomplishments are discussed here. Readers will learn how Jackson has manipulated the system to fight for economic justice and political goals, breaking new ground. He and his actions have also engendered towering animosity, resentment, and scorn, and critical views of him are presented as well. Numerous photos complement the biography.

Review Quote

"Written in a reader friendly format, it is ideal for secondary school assignments and research projects."- Multicultural Review

Promotional "Headline"

The towering accomplishments of the nation's foremost minority activist leader are put in historical, personal, and critical perspective and will inspire a new generation of readers.

Details