The Power of Being Seen: Why Jesse Jackson’s Life Still Matters - Mary Boyce

I have always hoped that the life and accomplishments of Jesse Jackson would be honored and celebrated, never overshadowed by the simple fact that he was human. Like all of us, he carried imperfections. But what he also carried was purpose — and that purpose changed lives, including mine.

When I was a child, our church took a group of young people to the Los Angeles Coliseum to hear him speak. To this day, I can still feel the energy of that moment. It felt like there were a million young people there, all gathered with anticipation, all waiting to hear a message meant directly for us. Then he began to lead the chant:

“I Am Somebody.”

At the time, I came from a loving home. I had support. I had what I needed. I did not think I needed to hear those words. But standing in that crowd, repeating that affirmation with thousands of other voices, I realized something deeper: everyone needs to be reminded of their worth. Everyone needs to know they matter — not because of what they achieve, but because of who they are.

Jesse Jackson dedicated his life to making sure people who were overlooked, dismissed, or discouraged understood that truth. Through the Civil Rights Movement, through his preaching, organizing, and public leadership, he challenged systems that told people they were less than. He replaced those messages with dignity, responsibility, and hope. His work was never just about protest; it was about possibility. He pushed people to believe they could rise — spiritually, socially, educationally, and economically.

His voice helped shape a generation that learned to stand taller, speak louder, and dream bigger. He reminded communities that faith and action belong together. He believed that justice was not an abstract idea, but something lived out daily through service, courage, and persistence.

That is why his legacy cannot simply live in history books or archived speeches. The purpose he carried must continue through those who were impacted by him. It lives on when we encourage a young person. It continues when we stand up for fairness. It grows when we remind someone — especially in moments of doubt — that they are somebody.

The chant was never meant to stay inside a stadium. It was meant to echo through our lives.

And it still does. Rest on king, rest on, for your hard work is complete.