ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA ON THE UNFORTUNATE PASSING OF JESSE JACKSON

LOS ANGELES - Statement by Antonio Villaraigosa on the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson:

“As a young organizer, the first presidential candidate I ever campaigned for was Reverend Jesse Jackson. His courage and moral clarity inspired a generation to believe that our democracy could be more inclusive, more representative, and more just.

Throughout his historic campaigns and decades of public service, Reverend Jackson gave voice to communities too often left out. He challenged our nation to confront inequality and to live up to its highest ideals of fairness, opportunity, and justice.

His leadership demonstrated the transformative power of coalition-building rooted in conscience and shared purpose. For many of us who chose a life of public service, his example was both motivating and defining.

I remain deeply grateful for the path he helped forge and for the inspiration he will continue to provide to the leaders and advocates working to strengthen our democracy.”