"I am a very hopeful young person - because of my education."

Students and Fellows described the impact of the Reverend Jesse Jackson on everything from politics to their personal pathways, as he was sworn in as an Honorary Fellow.

By Laura Kenworthy 2min read

Homerton undergraduate Frankie Richards (BA Education 2019) demonstrated the inter-generational power of Reverend Jesse Jackson's work and reputation this week, when she addressed him in a moving speech following his swearing in as an Honorary Fellow. 

Alluding to her grandparents, of a similar age to Reverend Jackson, who moved to the UK from St Kitts and Nevis, she spoke of how their hard work and his passion prepared the ground for her and her sister to reach academic heights. 

"I was not born when the Reverend and many other prominent civil rights leaders...first fought for educational provision and equity of access...The Reverend is here today representing those generations who paved the way before us. And that is why I am a hopeful young person, because I can only hope that when I am fortunate enough to be in Lord Woolley's position, that another young person, another young woman of colour, is here to say thank you."

Frankie also sang with the Homerton Jazz Orchestra (HoJO), during a lunch with Reverend Jackson and College Fellows. 

During the ceremony, Fellows and guests watched a video montage of Reverend Jackson's speeches, including those to the Democratic Conventions in 1984 and 1988. Dr Fernanda Gallo, Director of Studies in History and Politics, provided an overview of how Reverend Jackson's faith and ministry inspire and ignite his politics. 

"When, 10 years ago I was teaching political communication in the middle of the Swiss Alps at the University of Lugano and showing the students Reverend Jesse Jackson’s speeches, I would have never imagined having the opportunity in my life to honour and celebrate his work as we are doing here today," she said.

"In those classes, I discussed with my students the movement of black emancipation in America and the key role of the black church and of black pastors in conceiving sermons that were political speeches, and political speeches that were sermons, as they both are different approaches to achieve the same thing: conveying the good news, conveying hope -  as Jesse Jackson said."

Fellow in Politics Dr Robin Bunce then described the impact Reverend Jackson has had on British politics, and his support of black representation in Parliament in the 1980s. 

"Reverend Jackson’s career stretches from the era of Civil Rights, to the era of Black Lives Matter. As an opponent of segregation in the US, War in Vietnam, and Apartheid in South Africa, he has been a tireless campaigner for social and racial justice. As leader of the Rainbow Coalition he has been a champion of the dispossessed and the marginalised."

 

Reverend Jackson being sworn in as an Honorary Fellow
Student Frankie Richards with Reverend Jesse Jackson
Revered Jesse Jackson with Dr Fernanda Gallo
Reverend Jesse Jackson with Dr Robin Bunce