Rev. Jesse Jackson always challenged young people to hope, dream big, and pursue excellence.
At St. Sabina Academy, a Catholic school in the Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood, Rev. Jackson was a part of classroom discussion well before he passed on Monday.
Veriner James, Principal of St. Sabina Academy, said Rev. Jackson is part of their lesson plan. He came to visit the school a few years ago. His picture is prominently displayed on a table for all to see.
“To know that Reverend Jesse Jackson has been at St. Sabina Academy, it is just an amazing, amazing feeling,” she said. “We want our kids to know this is not a common experience. This is something special that we should hold true and value because most schools don’t have that experience.”
James said they have “conversations all the time about the life and the legacy of Rev. Jackson and how he shows up in society” at St. Sabina Academy.
Students told NBC Chicago the discussions have had an impact on their motivation to work hard in school.
“Rev. Jackson said we all are somebody and we all matter,” said Tayor Robinson, a seventh grader at the school. “I think about that and always try to do my best.”
An eighth grader at the school, Joshua Weston, shared a similar sentiment.
“We were talking about how Rev. Jackson an outstanding person was and how he gave us the ability to be able to come to this school today. Every day I come to school and believe in myself and strive for greatness.”
Father Michael Pfleger said Rev. Jackson was his mentor and parents should take time to teach their kids about him.
“Perhaps even have a quiz on him,” he said. “Young people need to know that he [Rev. Jackson] didn’t just wake up and become who he was. He started as a young man. Start in grammar school, start in high school. Get involved, get engaged, fight, speak up, speak out.”
