Jackson’s Convention Speeches in 1984 and 1988 Were Soaring Calls for Social Justice

Jesse Jackson's iconic 1988 Democratic National Convention Speech

It was the Summer of ‘88, and after rushing home from my job at McDonald’s on Lake Bradford Road and taking a quick shower, I sat in my family room with my parents, Charles and Vivian Hobbs, and my little…

Jackson’s Convention Speeches in 1984 and 1988 Were Soaring Calls for Social Justice

The Rev. Jesse Jackson was in his element when he spoke to a large audience, and his speeches at the 1984 and 1988 Democratic conventions were master classes in powerful, sermon-like oratory that cast a moral spotlight on parts of the party’s base that often felt marginalized or neglected. At the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, his speech moved many delegates to tears. It was a clarion call to take action on social justice issues…