02/17/2026
Today, UMaine Libraries honors the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a civil rights leader, presidential candidate, and one of the most transformative political voices of the late twentieth century.
Rev. Jackson dedicated his life to expanding democracy and advocating for those whose voices had long been excluded from the political process. His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 challenged the nation to imagine a more inclusive future and reshaped the Democratic Party by pushing for fairer representation and broader participation.
Central to this vision was the Rainbow Coalition, a movement Jackson built to unite people across race, class, religion, and geography around shared goals of economic justice, civil rights, peace, and opportunity. The coalition brought together Black voters, white working-class communities, students, farmers, labor organizers, and many others who recognized their struggles and aspirations were deeply connected. It represented a new model of political solidarity, one grounded in dignity, equity, and collective strength.
During his historic 1988 campaign, Rev. Jackson visited the University of Maine on February 11, delivering a speech at the Center for the Arts, now the Collins Center for the Arts. His visit was part of a high-profile campaign that energized students and communities across the country and marked a pivotal moment in American political history.
UMaine Libraries preserves this original poster from his visit as part of the University’s archival collections. It stands as a powerful reminder of Rev. Jackson’s presence on campus and his enduring influence on generations of civic leaders and advocates.
We remember Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. with gratitude for his courage, his vision, and his lifelong commitment to justice.
