Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson turns 80 From @usatodayopinion: "Born in Greenville, South Carolina in 1941, when segregation was in full force, [Jackson] grew up having to use “colored” drinking fountains and restrooms, sitting in the back of the bus and going to all-Black schools. But he was inspired to work to change the racist old order. Jackson became active in the fight for equal rights as a college student, protesting against segregated theaters, restaurants and libraries. After graduating, he attended seminary school and went on to become a full-time civil rights activist working for Dr. Martin Luther King. "When [Jackson] ran for president, the idea of a Black person becoming president of the United States was considered absurd – an impossible dream. Yet, he received 21% of the primary vote in 1984 and 29% in 1988 – not enough to win, but enough to prove he was a serious contender. Barack Obama became president, Kamala Harris became vice president, and many other talented and eminently qualified Black Americans won congressional, state and local elections because of the trailblazing role of Jesse Jackson." 📸: Astrid Riecken (Getty Images) Chip Somodevilla (Getty Images), AP | #jessejackson #revjessejackson #civilrights #martainlutherkingjr #mlkmemorial #selmabridge