David Lammy's Personal Tribute to Jesse Jackson: A Lifelong Influence
In a heartfelt reflection, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy has revealed the deep personal impact that the late civil rights leader Jesse Jackson had on his life and career. Lammy, who first encountered Jackson at age 21 in a local Tottenham church, describes him as a moral compass whose wisdom and solidarity shaped his path in politics.
A Transformative Encounter in Tottenham
Lammy recalls the moment he first heard Jesse Jackson preach, standing alongside his predecessor as MP for Tottenham, Bernie Grant. "I can still hear the conviction in his voice," Lammy writes, noting that Jackson's words continue to inspire him decades later. This early exposure to Jackson's powerful oratory came shortly after the iconic image of Jackson and Grant greeting Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison—a moment Lammy describes as one of the most poignant of his life.
Solidarity in Crisis: The 2011 London Riots
Jackson's influence extended beyond inspirational speeches. Lammy highlights that Jackson was one of the first to reach out after the 2011 London riots, which began in Lammy's Tottenham constituency. "At a moment of great tension and uncertainty, he reached out with his characteristic wisdom and solidarity," Lammy states, emphasising Jackson's understanding of showing up when it matters most. This call demonstrated Jackson's commitment to transnational solidarity, reflecting his bond with Bernie Grant and the shared struggle for racial justice across borders.
Private Persona and Public Convictions
Throughout his time as MP for Tottenham, Lammy had the privilege of spending time with Jackson in both London and Chicago. He notes that Jackson's private demeanor mirrored his public persona—thoughtful, measured, kind, and unwavering in his belief that justice must be tangible in daily life. "For Jesse, the law was a shield—a protection for those without power," Lammy explains, underscoring Jackson's view that opportunity should not be dictated by race, wealth, or circumstance.
Enduring Legacy in a Challenging World
Lammy argues that Jackson's message remains critically relevant today, as democracies face pressure, public trust wanes, and inequality persists. He praises Jackson's insistence that protest and politics must collaborate, moral clarity must drive institutional change, and justice requires both courage and discipline. "He never stopped speaking truth to power or believing that society could be fairer and more humane," Lammy asserts, urging that Jackson be honoured through continued action for equality, dignity, and accountability.
With Jesse Jackson's passing at age 84, Lammy mourns the loss of a great moral figure but takes comfort in knowing that his voice will echo through generations, inspiring ongoing fights for justice worldwide.
