Senator Roland W. Burris on Jesse Jackson’s Campaign for President, 25 Years Later

In the last century, Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. spoke often of “the arc of the moral universe,” and how it bends toward justice.

He held an optimistic but unvarnished view of our country, and saw that America’s greatness lives in the promise of expanding equality and opportunity.

Sadly, for parts of our history, the halls of civil discourse were closed to people of color, women, and other groups.
Too many Americans were denied the freedom that our founding documents guaranteed to every individual, and for far too long.

But here in the United States, it is inevitable that justice wins out over tyranny in the end.

Thanks to the leadership of Dr. King and countless other trailblazers – of all races, backgrounds, and walks of life – today’s America is more free, more fair and more equal than our forefathers could possibly have dreamed.

And today, I come to the floor in honor of one of these real-life trailblazers.

Twenty-five years ago, it was almost inconceivable that a person of color could become President of the United States.

But that did not stop the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. from mounting a serious campaign.

Some applauded the effort, and some decried it as foolishness. Some said that America was not ready

But Rev. Jackson was undeterred. He laid righteous claim to the values that define us as Americans, and he shared his vision with all those who would listen, and some who would not.

And under his leadership, an otherwise ordinary presidential campaign became a movement. People across America were inspired by what they saw, what they heard, and what they read.

They turned out in droves to campaign for Rev. Jackson, to hear him speak, and to offer their support.

Twenty-five years ago, Rev. Jesse Jackson decided to run for President. And his bold campaign changed American politics forever.

As Dr. King would say, he and his supporters put their hands on the arc of the moral universe and caused it to bend just a bit further.

He broke down barriers, he shattered prejudice, and he paved the way for all who came after.

He left an indelible mark on the political and social landscape in this nation – and his contributions will be felt for many years to come.

In 2008, thanks to the leadership and vision of Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and countless others, America did what was once unthinkable:

we elected an African American man named Barack Obama to the highest office in our land.

It was a day I never thought I would be fortunate enough to see.

But it showed the world once again that this is a nation of high ideals and higher aspirations.

It proved the enduring truth of the American dream, and reinforced the true character of our great country.

This nation owes a great deal to Rev. Jackson and many like him, who continue to share their talent, their vision, and their abiding faith with the American people.

So today, twenty-five years after his historic run for President, I rise to thank Jesse Jackson for all that he has done, and for all that he continues to do.

And even as we honor his accomplishments, we know that we can look to the future with optimism, secure in the certain knowledge that we are in control of our destiny.

We, the American people, have the power to determine the course of this nation, as Rev. Jackson reminded us a quarter of a century ago.

That is the legacy to which he belongs – a legacy of equality and opportunity, which he has left to each of us.

Let us honor that legacy and carry it forward, so future generations can share in the ever-expanding promise of the American dream.

Photo: Senator Roland W. Burris meets with former Senator Edward Brooke (R-MA)