TMJ4's Andrea Williams had the opportunity to meet Rev. Jesse Jackson on several occasions throughout her careermoments she'll never forget. But she's not alone. Many others across generations have their own powerful memories of the civil rights icon whose influence stretches far beyond a single historic photograph. To reflect on Rev. Jacksons enduring impact, Andrea visited Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy to speak with Howard Fuller, former MPS Superintendent and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Marquette University. We worked together on two things, Fuller recalled. One was the National Black Political Convention in Gary in 1972. I think we both were part of the national organizing committee that pulled that convention together. Theres a film about it. The second thing was when I organized African Liberation Day in May of 1972. Dr. Fuller believes Rev. Jacksons legacy extends well beyond the iconic balcony image taken the day Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. One of the things that Jesse should be remembered for is his focusnot just on housing and other aspects of civil rightsbut his focus on economics and putting pressure on corporations to both hire Black people and bring people into ownership, Fuller said. Rev. Jacksons commitment to empowerment was rooted early in his life. He joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1960 while attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He later transferred to North Carolina AT State University, a historically Black university that helped shape his activism and leadership. It was an honor to call Rev. Jesse Jackson Brother, said Ken Ginlack, President of the Kappa Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi. He stood for our cardinal principles: manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. For many fraternity members, Rev. Jackson wasnt just a historical figurehe was a living example of possibility.Watch: Remembering the movement: Dr. Howard Fuller reflects on Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy Community leader Thelma Sias remembers Jesse JacksonWell, my first interaction with him was on TV, said fraternity member Kweku Amoasi. I was a 12-year-old seeing a Black man run for president. He was Obama before Obama. When he said, I am somebody, that let me know that I could be somebody. Rev. Jackson made history with his groundbreaking presidential campaigns in the 1980s, inspiring a new generation of political engagement and paving the way for future leaders.Fraternity member Darrell Williams, also a photographer, had the honor of attending Rev. Jacksons 83rd birthday celebration. He also reflected on the reverends continued presence during moments of crisis. During all the civil unrest happening within the state of Wisconsin, we were able to call on him to ease some of that unrest in Milwaukee and Kenosha and other places, Williams said.Through decades of activismfrom civil rights marches to economic justice campaignsRev. Jesse Jackson has left an undeniable imprint on America and the world. His legacy is not confined to one photograph, one speech, or one campaign.We dont just remember the man.We remember the movement.Its about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for TMJ4 on your device.Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.Report a typo or error ...read more read less