Jesse Jackson and the Making of Modern Black Politics

This Juneteenth, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s seismic rulings on voting rights, Emmanuel and Kai talk about the legacy of one man: Jesse Jackson. We trace his journey from teenage activist to Martin Luther King Jr.’s inner circle to building a political movement that reshaped America. Along the way: the ambition, conflict, and vision behind one of the most complex figures in Black politics.

Additional archive: Hosea Williams interview

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Jesse Jackson's early years as a civil rights activist
• His pivotal role in Martin Luther King Jr.'s inner circle
• How he built a grassroots political movement
• The ambition, controversy, and vision that defined his legacy
• What Jackson's story means for Black politics today

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