Chicago Celebrates Emerging Black Leaders as Reverend Jesse Jackson Retires

CHICAGO (WLS) — Amidst the farewells to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Chicago and the nation reflect on his enduring contributions while focusing on the ongoing efforts to uphold civil rights and social justice. ABC7 is exploring the current landscape of activism and the leaders at the forefront.

Who are the dynamic individuals and organizations spearheading these movements?

Father Dr. Charlie Dates, who serves as the senior pastor at both Progressive Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church, recalls his first encounter with Rev. Jackson during his teenage years.

Dates recounted being invited to introduce the revered civil rights leader at a Rainbow PUSH event honoring another giant, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“From that day on, he provided many of us young people with platforms to address significant audiences. Later, as a pastor, his influence encouraged us to extend our ministry beyond the church. He wasn’t one for small-scale work; he believed in a grand vision of the gospel,” Dates reflected.

Dates affirmed that there are already individuals and leaders committed to “carrying the mantle” forward.

“I think the moment we’re in is going to define who actually steps up. And yeah, I hope to be one,” he said. “But I also think that we may have a cadre, a team, like the Avengers, a multiplicity of leaders who step up with the same agenda to make things happen.”

Ashley Munson is a civic engagement strategist and political commentator.

“I think when you look at the next generation of leaders and what’s to come next, I think it’s a coalition of people,” Munson said. “I think there will be a group of people that will lead the way. I know we went from King, to Reverend Jesse and now it’s on us to pick up the torch, to do the work and work together to make sure the next generation, and still this generation, does the work and has the freedom to do what they need to do.”

Jaylin McClinton, is the civic engagement co-chair for the Metro Board of the Chicago Urban League.

He calls this moment a “punch in the gut in a lot of ways.”

“All of us have a responsibility to get to that beloved community that Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King talked about and that Reverend Jesse Jackson talked about as well,” McClinton said.

He explained that the Metro Board is working every day to promote Black Chicago.

Munson says she works to break down politics “and make it make sense for folks so that people can be civically engaged. Once young people understand the connection from policy to their livelihood, I think they can be not just be participants, but they can be leading the way in what we’re trying to do in the city.”