The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights leader, two-time presidential candidate, and founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, passed away earlier Tuesday at age 84.
As Atlanta reflects on his legacy, here are five notable visits the civil rights icon made to our city over the decades—moments that often intersected with local activism, historic events, and the ongoing fight for justice.
1. 1973 – Speech at West Hunter Street Baptist Church
In March 1973, Rev. Jackson returned to Atlanta as president of Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) for a powerful address at West Hunter Street Baptist Church
The visit marked a reunion with old allies from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference era and highlighted shifts in civil rights tactics toward economic empowerment and community organizing.
Jackson spoke on adapting the movement in the post-King years, drawing large crowds eager to hear his message of self-determination and justice.
2. 1986 – Address at Ebenezer Baptist Church
Rev. Jackson spoke at Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1986, delivering remarks tied to Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances.
Standing in the pulpit once occupied by Dr. King, he addressed attendees on continuing the legacy of civil rights, voting rights, and economic fairness.
Photographs from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution captured the emotional moment, as Jackson connected Atlanta’s historic role in the movement to broader national struggles.
3. July 1988 – Keynote Address at the Democratic National Convention
One of the most iconic moments in Atlanta’s political history came when Rev. Jackson delivered his famous “Keep Hope Alive” speech at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, held at the Omni Coliseum (now the site of State Farm Arena).
After a strong second-place finish in the primaries, Jackson rallied delegates with a unifying call for a “Rainbow Coalition” of marginalized groups.
The address, delivered on July 19, 1988, remains a landmark in American oratory and helped cement Atlanta’s place as a hub for progressive politics.
4. Late 2000s/Early 2010s – Advocacy Against Foreclosures
In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, Rev. Jackson visited Atlanta to protest widespread foreclosures devastating Georgia families. He joined local activists and homeowners outside courthouses on “foreclosure Tuesdays,” when mass sales occurred statewide.
Jackson and supporters rallied to draw attention to predatory lending practices, urging moratoriums and reforms. The visit underscored his longtime focus on economic justice and resonated deeply in Atlanta’s hard-hit neighborhoods.
5. January 2018 – MLK Weekend Sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church
On January 21, 2018—during the weekend honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—Rev. Jackson returned to Ebenezer Baptist Church to preach from the same pulpit where he once stood beside his mentor.
As a confidant present at the Lorraine Motel during King’s 1968 assassination, Jackson reflected on the ongoing fight against inequality.
The sermon, covered widely by local media, emphasized perseverance in civil rights amid contemporary challenges like voting access and police reform.
These visits highlight Rev. Jackson’s enduring connection to Atlanta—a city he often described as the “cradle of the old South” and the “crucible of the new South.” From convention halls to church pews, his presence inspired generations. Our thoughts are with his family during this time of loss.