Norton Says D.C. Mourns Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Former D.C. Shadow Senator and Statehood Supporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said that today she and all of D.C. mourn the passing of her friend, civil rights leader, and former D.C. Shadow Senator Rev. Jesse Jackson.

“The District of Columbia and our nation mourn the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a pioneer whose leadership reshaped civil rights advocacy and American politics. I was honored to work alongside him during his service as D.C.’s Shadow Senator and throughout his lifelong fight for equality and democracy.

“From the front lines of the civil rights movement to national campaigns that expanded the political imagination of this country, Jesse Jackson lifted up the voices of those too often unheard. He turned protest into progress and transformed moral conviction into political action. His work built bridges across race, class, and geography, helping redefine what inclusive democracy could look like in America.

“In his years representing the District, Rev. Jackson stood firmly for D.C. statehood and full self‑governance. He recognized that the denial of representation to D.C. residents was a civil rights issue at the heart of America’s unfinished democratic promise.

“Rev. Jackson’s courage, faith, and belief in the power of ordinary citizens to change history will endure. His legacy is a challenge to us all to continue the struggle for equality, for voting rights, and for a democracy that fully lives up to its ideals.”

Jackson served as D.C. Shadow Senator from 1991-1997. Norton was first elected to Congress in 1991.

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