Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has expressed profound condolences over the passing of iconic American civil rights leader, Jesse Louis Jackson, characterising him as one of America’s most distinguished moral exports and a global emblem of justice, unity and democratic advocacy.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Hashim observed that the death of Rev. Jackson at 84 signals the close of a defining chapter in the global struggle for equality, human dignity and social justice. He emphasised that Jackson’s influence transcended the territorial boundaries of the United States, shaping democratic consciousness across continents.
Reflecting on his own background as General Secretary of the Youth Solidarity for South Africa in Nigeria in 1986, Hashim described Jackson as a principled moral voice forged in the crucible of democratic resistance and inclusive governance. He noted that the late cleric stood firmly within the prophetic tradition of activism, advancing the unfinished mandate of the Civil Rights Movement.
Hashim further recalled Jackson’s close association with Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting his pivotal role in sustaining organised resistance and converting collective grief into structured political engagement in the post-King era.
According to Hashim, Jackson’s leadership of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition catalysed mass mobilisation and persistently amplified the voices of marginalised communities, advocating for equitable representation within political and economic institutions.
Drawing from his own history as an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience in 1989, Hashim also underscored Jackson’s presidential bids in the 1980s, describing them as transformative campaigns that broadened political possibilities for minorities in America and recalibrated the nation’s democratic trajectory.
He noted that Jackson consistently championed the ballot, non-violent protest and moral conviction as instruments of change, insisting that democracy must function inclusively rather than serve a privileged minority.
Quoting the enduring philosophy of the late civil rights leader, Hashim reiterated: “Inclusion is not charity; it is justice.”
He added that Jackson’s legacy resonates deeply across Africa, particularly among advocates of human rights and democratic reform, whose struggles mirror the principles he espoused.
Beyond domestic activism, Hashim described Jackson as a statesman of conscience who engaged in diplomatic interventions, promoted peace initiatives and extended solidarity to oppressed populations globally.
He concluded that Jackson’s life offers enduring lessons for Nigeria and the broader African continent, particularly on the imperative of leadership anchored in courage, compassion and moral clarity. While mourning his passing, Hashim maintained that the late icon’s voice for justice may have fallen silent, but the resonance of his advocacy will continue to inspire generations committed to equality and democratic progress.
