A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power

by Abby Phillip

Jesse Jackson was one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century. He was a civil rights leader, activist, and an adept politician whose presidential runs shaped the course of Democrat politics to this day. In A Dream Deferred, Abby Phillip charts the course of his life through conversations with Jackson himself, as well as interviews with his inner circle, political peers, critics, and historians.

Focusing on his presidential runs in 1984 and, especially, 1988, Phillip highlights how Jackson built an unlikely coalition that showed the power of the Black vote and the resonance of an inclusive message of economic populism. His experience working under Martin Luther King; his organizing the SLCC’s Operation Breadbasket in Chicago and beyond; and his roots in the deep South combined into two astonishingly impactful presidential campaigns. Appealing to the working people of urban enclaves like Chicago, young people on college campuses, and Black people across the South, white farmers in rural areas and many others, he created the modern Democratic coalition—one that has been used by all major Democrats seeking national success from Obama to Biden to Harris.

Drawing on her expert reporting and natural storytelling skills, Abby Phillip has written a rousing popular history brimming with humanity, politics, and hope that sheds new light on an American icon.

Genres: Politics, History, Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Race, Activism

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 Stars!

"Jesse Jackson was the candidate of choice for the poor and the young"

Before Bernie Sanders, there was Jesse Jackson. The American political Left owes a whole lot to the late great Jesse Jackson. He supported universal healthcare, Palestinian rights, economic populism, he stood up for Asian Americans, Arab Americans and Muslims. He was the first politician to talk about AIDS at the 1984 Democratic Convention and to support the LGBTQ community. He advocated for a woman on the Presidential ticket first. He wanted to get big money out of politics way back in the 1980s. This man was ahead of his time and the Democratic Party still hasn't caught up to him.

I knew somethings about Jesse Jackson before picking up this book but reading this book really opened my eyes. America would definitely be a better place had Jesse Jackson won either of his Presidental runs. I mean if you were to believe the mainstream media, Jesse Jackson was a race baiting white person hater but rural white people supprt his 1988 White House run. White farmers loved him. And just like with Bernie Sanders the Democratic establishment did everything possible to stop him from winning.

A Must Read!

I loved this book.

Democratic Party is and has always been trash.

[R.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book. Phillip is interested in showing the whole person, Jackson's flaws and strengths. A lot of interviews and perspectives throughout support this approach. I'd recommend adding this to your pile of "how did we get here?" books.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Dream Deferred is a book about Jesse Jackson, the long-time civil rights leader and presidential candidate. He was the first Black man to vie for the top job, more than a decade after Shirley Chisolm became the first Black woman to run for president. I’m not sure, but I think this is the first in-depth look at Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 campaigns.

The book gives a detailed look at campaign strategy, activism, and the reshaping of Black political influence. This historically grounded, informative and politically focused analysis of the power dynamics in the country during the late 1970s and 1980s. Abby Phillip gives an even-handed look at Jackson and his successes and failures. His rise in the Civil Rights movement, as a disciple of Martin Luther King Jr, and then as he picked up the mantle and helped lead the Black community.

The amount of research that went into this book is incredible. I thought I had a good grasp of events that happened in my lifetime, but that just goes to show you that my very white upbringing did not expose me to much of the Black experience in the United States. Jackson was a force of nature in his prime. I learned so much about the politics of my childhood and how and why Jackson could never be successful in his quest for the presidency. But he paved the way for Barack Obama and Kamala Harris.

This audiobook is read by the author, and Abby Phillip did a great job. That’s not always the case with authors. She’s clearly passionate about the book and gives an even hand to her narration as she did to the prose.

[Steve McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If there were occasions when my grape turned into a raisin and my joy bell lost its resonance, please forgive me. Charge it to my head and not to my heart." Jackson paused for the applause. At home, millions of Americans watched. The television audience climbed to a peak of thirty-three million as he spoke, and his remarks crossed the one-hour mark.
"My head-so limited in its finitude; my heart, which is boundless in its love for the human family," he continued.
"I am not a perfect servant. I am a public servant doing my best against the odds. As I develop and serve, be patient. God is not finished with me yet."

Shoutout Bernie Sanders for seeing the vision

[Bob Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This afternoon, I finished reading “A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power”, authored by Abby Phillip, the anchor of CNN’s prime time weeknight news show “NewsNight with Abby Phillip”, a renowned expert on American politics, and one of my personal all-time favorite journalists. In her well-researched and well-written book, Abby discusses the legacy of the Reverend Jesse Jackson and and his lasting influence on American politics and on the ongoing pursuit of and fight for the dream of an America that is truly for all.

In “A Dream Deferred”, Abby details the Reverend Jackson’s life and work, dating from his involvement in the early years of the civil rights movement, through his partnership with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through his evolvement as a civil rights leader in his own right, through his historic 1984 and 1988 campaigns to become President of the United States, and finally his influence on the groundbreaking and inspiring 2008 election of Barack Obama as America’s first Black President, as well as Kamala Harris’ inspiring but tragically unsuccessful 2024 bid to become America first woman President. Throughout each chapter of the book, Abby details the impact of Reverend Jackson’s personal life and his unique personality and relentless drive on his work, his dreams and ambitions, his hopes and dreams, his doubts and fears, and the impacts of it all on his ultimately diminishing health. Abby also discusses the friends and allies, and the adversaries, that the Reverend Jackson gained and lost throughout his journey in the public eye, and she frankly addresses his shortcomings, his failures, and his flaws.

Throughout the entire book, Abby discusses the impact of the Reverend Jackson’s race on his work and on how America reacted to that work and to him personally, in the process illustrating how far America still has to go before his dream…our dream, my and my wife Maria’s dream…of an America that is truly for all is someday finally fully realized for all. In short, as things now stand, that dream very much remains “a dream deferred”.

I very highly recommend “A Dream Deferred” to one and all. To get a copy of “A Dream Deferred”, go to https://us.macmillan.com/books/978125... , or ask for it at your favorite bookstore or local library.

#AbbyPhillip
#ADreamDeferred
#ReverendJesseJackson

[Joelove9 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only knew rudimentary details about Jesse's life, so this book was informational. And I really like Abby Phillip. I really enjoy her earnest and deadpan delivery. But the book seemed something of an attack on Jackson’s character and his legacy.
Jackson has always been a hero of mine. His platform for his presidential run in 1984? WPA type programs to provide jobs and repair infrastructure. Reverse Reaganomic tax cuts for the rich. Single payer, universal health care. Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Free tuition for community college. He cared about the middle and underclasses and is an intelligent and inspiring orator. He is the only politician I ever felt strongly enough about to block walk to get out his flyers. Chris Duffy and I went to see him speak at a rally at Camargo park and Chris got to shake his hand! After that speech, I really believed "I am somebody!"
The book made some claims about him during the time he quit divinity college to work with MLK. And one of those claims was though he was not present at the exact time of the assassination, he took blood from the balcony and wiped it on his shirt, then paraded it on television interviews claiming he cradled King's head when he was shot, which caused great resentment among King’s inner circle. There were some references to his affairs over the years, but the only one substantiated was with a former aide that resulted in the birth of a daughter.
Phillip wrote that there were problems with Obama and Jackson competing in Chicago for influence and respect. Jackson considered Obama an outsider and didn't consider him black, and he resented his success in unifying all the people on a grand scale as Jackson always sought to do, and for succeeding in his campaign where Jackson spent years laying the groundwork.
Did the book knock him down a peg in my view? Maybe just a little.
My wife and I have several times discussed my problems with the declining standards of who and what call for a "standing ovation".
Looking at various origins and definitions, the standing ovation originated as a form of tribute paid to returning, conquering general. I could see that. It evolved into an acclamation for performances that surpassed expectations or had a profound emotional impact or for the celebration of a lifetime of achievement. I agree. But there is a social component that implies a relationship with a performer and the audience. In my opinion, this is where the problem occurs.
"Standing ovations, are in part due to the desire to conform to the crowd as well as the desire to show affection for performers or speakers on stage. Since standing ovations are a form of group thinking that, to some degree, suspends moral judgment in the presence of group pressure, the performers on stage have to realize that what they are witnessing is often as much a desire for solidarity among audience members as it is true recognition of their abilities.
If an artist is beloved or highly respected by an audience for years or decades, their presence alone can motivate standing ovations irrespective of the particular performance quality on any given day."
"John Lahr, the theater critic for The New Yorker magazine, sees a complex psychological dynamic at work. ‘I think it's generally an attempt by the audience at self-hypnosis, he said. They think if they go to a show and stand at the end they've had a good time. They're trying to give themselves the experience they thought they should have."
So, the point I'm trying to make, is that for me, there are very few people who deserve a standing ovation. The Pope? Nah. Paul McCartney? Not really, though he was very good. I get a lot of looks because I never join the crowd to participate in undeserved, weekly observed, standing ovations. The only two people that I will stand and ovate for are Jesse Jackson and Ralph Nader, my decades long heroes who I admire for their intellect, their ideals and their advocacy.

[Myles Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A Dream Deffered, Abby Phillip properly centers Jesse Jackson's legacy where it belongs, around the political reality he helped create and his brand of Progressive Populism. This is an appropriately timed read not only due to his recent passing, but also to inform a new generation of political observers of Jesse's actual politics. Jesse's Rainbow Coalition established a political platform that was poised to break through deep partisan divides, something that is desperately needed today. As someone too young to remember Jackson's historic presidential campaigns, I was surprised to see the parallels between his run and that of Bernie Sanders and even Donald Trump's first campaign. Populism is understandably a popular political strategy, and as Trump has shown, it can drift into conspiracies and bigotry when it is not grounded in concrete ideological beliefs focused on positive outcomes rather than grievances. Jackson crafted his brand of bold, aspirational populism in an attempt to unite a divided country and focus on material outcomes. He centered segments of his campaign around the plight of American farmers. He seized the theme of the "forgotten man," which is typically used to depict the struggles of white men, to include the struggles of all marginalized communities. He was able to leverage his identity as well as his past activism, but most importantly, he did not center his campaign on appeasing the identity of any singular group or groups, but instead pledged to support the diverse demographics of the country that comprised the Rainbow Coalition. In this reading, Abby illustrates not only the framework of Jackson's political campaigns but also lays the framework that can meet our current moment. Within this framework we see similarities between Sanders and Jackson. Both candidates ran as political outsiders not favored by their party establishments, unafraid to critique damaging economic elements that largely went unquestioned within top ranks of the party.

Cynically, one can be both inspired and disillusioned in seeing the deep efforts Jackson made to appeal to voters only to still come up short largely due to questions of electability that revolved around his race. In many ways, our adherence to identity limits the viability of progressive populism in a diverse country that continues to see implications of American policy as a zero-sum game.

Abby Phillip effectively reveals and protects Jackson's legacy. Often, leaders are punished for longevity, and Jackson's fall from grace represents this unfortunate reality. As a reader who was too young to witness the rise of Jackson, I was surprised to read just how prominent a figure Jackson was, especially in the Black community. It's the famous Dark Knight quote, "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain." As the distance from Jackson's activism in the Civil Rights Movement increased, unflattering language and questionable actions began to dominate his public persona. This is not to say that he should be above critique; it can be seen as a sign of progress within society when past actions and cultural norms increasingly become unacceptable. However, critique should be couched in context and relativity. Too often, when Jackson is discussed, we lead with critiques and unfairly compare him against other prominent figures who, unfortunately, did not live long enough to withstand the same criticism Jackson faced. Ignorning ones flaws is dangerous because it sets a precedent and signals approval and acceptance, but defining someone by those flaws is also dangerous and unfair because it ignores the important achievements and hides their established framework that can be used to improve the lives of future generations.

[Viral · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I am Somebody!
I am Somebody!
I may be poor,
But I am Somebody.
I may be young,
But I am Somebody.
I may be on welfare,
But I am Somebody.
I may be small,
But I am Somebody.
I may have made mistakes,
But I am Somebody.
My clothes are different,
My face is different,
My hair is different,
But I am Somebody.
I am black,
Brown, or white.
I speak a different language
But I must be respected,
Protected,
Never rejected.
I am God’s child!"
-Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. on Sesame Street (1971)

The story of Rev. Jackson is a fascinating one, and so when I heard about this new biography of him I figured I'd give it a shot. I knew a decent amount about the man: civil rights leader during the early days of Operation Breadbasket, the rise of Rainbow PUSH, his contributions to the Harold Washington campaign of '83, his presidential runs in '84 & '88, and his family's broader contribution to the story of modern Black politics, both good and bad.

But this was an interesting deep dive into the man Jackson was, and the details of how all these famous moments in history went down. We see the early days of his involvement in protests in the South, then coming up to Chicago for seminary school and getting recruited in the Chicago Freedom Movement. His involvement with MLK, leading to him spearheading Operation Breadbasket, trying to get good paying jobs for Black folks. The infamous putting himself in front of the cameras wearing a shirt stained with Dr. King's blood in the days after his fateful assassination, which started a decades long accusation that Rev. Jackson would do anything for media attention. His preacher's charisma carrying him across the country, continuing to mobilize Black folks around the nation. His involvement in defeating the Daley machine and getting Chicago's first Black mayor elected, which set the stage for his incredibly ahead of the curve presidential runs in 84 and 88.

I was aware Bernie worked hard as a surrogate for Jackson's 88 campaign, but what I did not know was how profoundly progressive Jackson's two presidential runs were, pushing for universal healthcare, cuts to the military budget, and new taxes on the rich to pay for huge investments in both urban *and* rural America. His support for LGBT+ rights was decades ahead of his time, and his solidarity with Palestinians almost certainly destroyed his already difficult chances of winning, but he never wavered. Ultimately, accusations of antisemitism combined with overwhelming establishment opposition tanked his two runs, especially his '88 run where he came the closest any Black person had ever come to winning the presidential nomination. His vision of a robust rainbow coalition has since become a common talking point on the left, but Jackson does not get enough credit for the work he did and the flack he took for it. Of course, he was also a provocateur who knew how to work the press and make news for himself, but its undeniable the influence he had on modern American politics.

I think this book could have given more analysis, and not just history, of Jackson and his legacy, but it is overall a solid book that is approachable and helps reimagine an important modern civil rights figure.

As the Reverend says, always keep hope alive.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative and (at least seemingly) balanced view of a key but controversial progressive figure in American Politics.

I naively did not know how many policies he advocated for that pushed the Overton Window. I also did not know he placed second in the Democratic primaries in 1988 and was seen as the front runner at least briefly after Michigan. While the focus was on the nominations in 1984 and 1988 and told compellingly, Phillip also highlighted that in some ways he was most effective and impactful at mobilizing people more generally and enacting corporate change (the boycotts in Chicago, PUSH, the Rainbow Coalition, etc.).

The book did not purely lionize him, recognizing his more opportunistic (the MLK bloody shirt), attention-seeking, and sometimes contradictory qualities. I appreciated the discussion of his desire to push boundaries contrasted with the tension with / impedance of Chisholm and Obama. Phillip also recognized his failings as a politician tactically and practically. Interestingly, the book / Kirkus review note his approach in some ways mirrored Trump more than Obama, something that I need to reflect on more. In general, there are many parallels you can make to modern day politics.

Phillip ends the book with a quote about whether Jackson was any worse than his white male counterparts who are often given much more grace. While it is a fair point about his contemporaneous treatment, how should he be viewed in hindsight by modern standards? It was a good thought to end on that again I want to reflect on more.

Definitely recommend this book for those looking to learn more about the history of Black / progressive politics. I listened as an audiobook and enjoyed that format

[Scott Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audiobook) Had this book in the queue to read/listen to when we got word about his passing. That moved this one to the top of the list to read. I vaguely remembered when Jackson ran for president in 1988 and knew of him as a political presence in the news, but really didn’t know much about his backstory. Enter this work. Had no idea that he was with MLK the night he was assassinated. Also, didn’t know of his role in fighting the Chicago political machine. There was a lot to the man, both good and bad. He could be a major political force, and in some respects, as highlighted in this work, was ahead of his time in how he ran a campaign and where he targeted his political energies. Yet, he could be the ultimate egomaniac, and the quest for the spotlight drove a lot of his actions. You could see how someone like Trump could, even in his own crass style, acknowledge the role of Jackson in American political life. Would agree that Jackson did lay the foundations for men like Obama to be able to run as president.

Overall, a solid work, but this is not the definitive tome on Jackson’s life. This work is primarily focused on his life from 1968-1988, from when he became a household name in trying to carry on King’s legacy to his last effective run for the presidency. Worth the checkout, especially now in light of his death, but probably there will be other works that provide a more in-depth analysis of Jackson’s life and times.

[Andrew Dittmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power by Abby Phillip


Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!

Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a post-it note with the book.


Started December 26th, 2025.
Finished December 29th, 2025.


December 26th, 2025: listened to introduction + chapter 1 (pp. 1-29) via Audible with physical copy nearby.

December 27th, 2025: listened to chapters 2-6 (pp. 30-105) via Audible with physical copy nearby.

December 28th, 2025 (after midnight): listened to chapters 7-8 (pp. 106-157) via Audible with physical copy nearby.

December 28th, 2025 (daytime): listened to chapters 9-13 (pp. 158-234) via Audible with physical copy nearby.

December 29th, 2025 (after midnight): listened to chapters 14-acknowledgments (pp. 235-261) via Audible with physical copy nearby.

December 31st, 2025: read through photos + captions in physical copy.

[Amy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen Abby Phillip on CNN on many occasions, and having heard her interviewed more recently in anticipation of this book’s release, I was compelled to read it. I’m glad I did. Jesse Jackson’s ascension in the realm of politics is well documented here and sheds light on both his personal complexities and the complexities of politics, including back room wheeling and dealing. Jackson’s goals before, during and after his failed presidential runs were truly remarkable for the times and absolutely paved the way for Barack Obama’s presidency. If more traditional, establishment democrats had supported him at that time, who knows how the trajectory of this country may have been altered? Like anyone, he is not without flaws, and I enjoyed how Phillip balanced the good with the less good. I only wish more information had been given regarding the relationship between Jackson & Obama.

[Carol White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am about the same age as Rev. Jackson and had involvement with some civil rights events led by MLK (Chicago Fair housing campaign in 1966). I
speak as a life long activist, interested in learning about successful tactics for social change. I recommend this book for that purpose especially. Ms. Philip learned a lot about Jackson’s campaigns over many decades by personal interviews granted by him, second person remembrances of others, and the historical record. Her sources are thoroughly documented. She gives a clear eyed picture of a dedicated fighter for expanded opportunities first for Black Americans, and later for working class people of all ethnicities. He was not a perfect man, as is true of most highly accomplished people. I especially encourage young social justice activists to read this to develop more sophisticated tactics for today’s justice struggles.

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointing in that centering Jesse Jackson makes you think it’s a full fledged biography of the man but it’s primarily a campaign biography of 1984 and 1988. You don’t really get a ton of insight into the man. I came in not knowing much about the person and came out pretty even in that aspect. Jesse Jackson the person still remains a little murky for me, maybe unfair criticism of the book, but still worth mentioning.

Good job on the political side of it, which felt like the main goal. Sometimes the people who cut the path don’t get credit from those who later follow. It helped me to see the context of the 60s-90s through the lens of Jesse Jackson’s political journey and it was worth the read for that.

[Eursella Hayes-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished A Dream Deferred by Abby Phillip, and it’s a powerful, eye-opening read. Phillip gives a fresh, honest look at Jesse Jackson—his rise from Greenville, SC, to national politics, and how his presidential runs in the ’80s reshaped Black political power.

The storytelling is sharp and balanced—Phillip shows both Jackson’s brilliance and flaws, making him feel real and human. It also connects beautifully to today’s political landscape, showing how Jackson’s legacy still shapes movements for justice and representation.

It’s detailed but never dull—a must-read for anyone who loves history, politics, or stories about resilience and leadership.

[Rob Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the recent passing of Jesse Jackson, I read this new biography and found it to be very well done. While this isn't a comprehensive biography of his life, it is a look at his rise to political power and the personal ambition that drove him in his work. What was amazing to me was all the ways that Jesse Jackson's work, particularly his two Presidential campaigns, laid the foundation for Barack Obama's eventual election, as well as providing a narrative foundation for the progressive movement of today. While many people were divided in their opinions of Jesse Jackson personally, there is no denying his lasting impact on modern America.

[Amy Simons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC (which I took too long to listen to; big regret there!)... In a previous professional life, I covered Jesse Jackson. I covered Junior. I attended Rainbow Push luncheons... All these years out of Chicago news, and this book helped put so much of it back into context for me -- context that was formed long before I was old enough to do more than watch political conventions on TV. Jesse Jackson is not well... but I'm glad I took the time to sit with Abby Phillip's book before his passing and to reflect on his impact on history.

[BekahPG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have such an immense respect for Abby Phillip--what a talent! I've been following her career as a journalist for a while and eagerly anticipated her book. As someone who generally gravitates toward fiction, I was impressed with Phillip's storytelling and keen historical and political knowledge. Her portrait of this complicated figure illuminated a lot for me, and filled in many gaps in my own admittedly limited knowledge of U.S. history. I'm glad this book exists and encourage everyone to read it.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a longtime political junkie whose entry point was the 1988 presidential campaign, I truly enjoyed this book; esepcailly the audiobook version narrated by Abby Phillip herself. Jessie Jackson is complicated, to put it mildly, but Phillip's informative and well-researched, yet easily digestible portrayal demonstrates what a huge cultural and political impact Jackson had, influencing both Bernie Sanders and yes, Donald Trump. Highly recommend as a way to gain insight on a perhaps misunderstood figure.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time author and journalist,Abby Phillip did a great job of chronicling Jesse Jackson’s life and career. Like many historical figures, it isn’t till they leave the limelight that their accomplishments can be truly measured. Jesse’s role in political and civil rights events spans the 1960’s a up to the most recent presidential election of 2024. Even though Jesse was not a perfect vessel, his contributions to our history will continued to be measured well into the future. I look forward to future books by this author.

[Martin Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby Phillip’s book on Jesse Jackson is an essential contribution to modern political biography -- rigorous in its reporting, generous in its curiosity, and unflinching in its honesty. Phillip treats Jackson not as a relic of history, but as a living force whose influence still ripples through American politics, media, and civic life.

[RB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal job by Abby Phillip.

She did a masterful job of charting his complex progression into the civil rights icon he became. She didn't cover up his flaws, and she consulted myriad sources to provide a fuller picture of Jesse Jackson. This was a fitting book to begin and finish as much of the country honors him posthumously for his role in American history.

[John Daniell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounding up. Starts slow but gets really engaging during the campaign. Biggest critique is that it needs better proofreading - there are a few parts where Phillip will allude to something that will happen and then jumps ahead to when it did happen. The book does a great job of illustrating the long-term impact of Jackson’s campaign in Democratic politics.

[Garrett Wooldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book with lots of insightful details of Jackson’s political rise, and the through lines from it to the progressive movement and to Obama’s rise.

I personally didn’t know much about Jackson, and I think this book summed it up for me very well.

[Diego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby is a really good writer and did her best to condense the larger-than-life character that was the Reverend Jesse Jackson. A man whose progressive, populist values and views need to shape the future of the country he fought so hard to improve.

[Victoria Hall-Palerm]

I learned a ton from this book, and am a little troubled at how little I knew about Jackson’s influence. The author did a great job of delivering factual reporting while also, at times, pushing her arguments about his influence, so that it never felt dogmatic or too one-sided. Good book.

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy, those campaigns in the 80s were very familiar (Bernie Volunteer).

[Amy Huck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was very informative. I learned a great deal.

[Nina Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone say thank you Jesse Jackson

[Dwight Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good look at some of the factors which made Jesse Jackson a powerful force in the social justice! Having been raised in Chicago, I appreciate the stories related to Chicago politics.