CNMI, Guam delegates join nation in mourning Rev. Jesse Jackson

The Office of Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds joined the nation in mourning the death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, calling him “a civil rights leader whose lifelong fight for justice and equality left an indelible mark on America.”

In a statement, King-Hinds said, “His advocacy uplifted marginalized communities across our country, including those of us in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, reminding us that the pursuit of fairness and opportunity must extend to every corner of our nation. We extend our prayers to his family and all who were inspired by his legacy.”

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement and a two-time presidential candidate, died on Feb. 17, 2026, at his home in Chicago. He was 84. A protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson was a leading advocate for racial equality and voting rights and founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

In Washington, D.C., American Samoa Delegate Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen honored Jackson’s life and legacy.

“The Reverend Jackson was an influential civil rights icon, who marched with and worked for the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a trailblazing presidential candidate in 1984 and again in 1988, when he won 11 states in the Democratic primaries. An ordained Baptist minister, his historic campaigns helped set the stage for politicians to follow, and he was an enduring part of our nation’s story and public policy discussions for the past generation.

“I was able to talk with him and shake his hand a few years ago at a funeral for a colleague in Congress. He will be missed.

“His many legacies include the voter registrations of millions of Americans, and efforts against poverty. He was a passionate advocate for his progressive beliefs, always helping clarify the national political debates of his time. In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded the Rev. Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“He is the father of my current House colleague, Rep. Jonathan Luther Jackson, and we serve together on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

“My condolences to the entire Jackson family and the millions of Americans who have held him in high esteem for decades. May God be with and bless them in this time, and may God bless the United States.”

Nola Hix, former NMI Democratic Party chairwoman, said Jackson “was a true icon to me because he dedicated his life creating opportunities for everyone.”

“His courageous leadership, moral compass, commitment to equal representation, an advocate for justice, building bridges that extend way beyond racial borders, his ability to organize, and bring people together for the greater good.

“America has lost one of the greatest civil rights leaders of our time. As we celebrate Black History Month, I am heartbroken at his passing and so grateful to have met him in person as it is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“I met him back in 2018 when he spoke at a DNC Meeting in Chicago. I was there for work and took a photo of him with my daughter, Aliana.”

Ambrose Bennett, a community activist, educator, and self-styled economist, said, “I find it ‘fitting and proper’ that he passed during Black History Month. He was in Memphis with Dr. King Jr at the time of his death, and he was all inspiring to me and others with his mantra ‘Keep Hope Alive and I am Somebody.’ I used to wish I was white to avoid the racism, but thanks to James Brown ‘I’m Black and I’m Proud’ and Jesse Jackson I embraced my identity. Thanks for asking.”

Curtis Dancoe, owner of Niao Poke, recalled Jackson’s message of hope.

“For those that listened to his message, he shared, keeping hope alive. Reminding all of us that you've gotta have faith.

“Met him personally at Newstalk K-57 Radio Studios back in 1991. Dancoe was getting ready for an on-air interview with the Jon Anderson Show. He had a quick layover and made time to speak to the people of Guam. I was an account sales executive for stations.”