The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs mourns the passing of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., a towering figure in the fight for civil rights, economic justice, and Black political power.
For decades, Rev. Jackson challenged America to live up to its promise. Through his leadership of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and his unwavering advocacy for marginalized communities, he elevated issues of economic equity, voting rights, access to capital, and corporate accountability long before they became mainstream conversations.
Rev. Jackson understood that civil rights without economic power leaves communities vulnerable. His work consistently centered the importance of ownership, access to opportunity, and investment in Black communities, principles that are foundational to the mission of Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and to our work at the Alliance.
He taught us that equity is a demand. That justice requires structure. That power must be organized. And that hope must be paired with action.
As an organization committed to closing the racial wealth gap, we stand on the shoulders of leaders like Rev. Jackson who expanded the moral imagination of this nation and insisted that economic justice is civil rights work.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the generations of leaders he mentored and inspired.
May we honor his legacy not only with words, but with continued action: organizing, advocating, and building institutions that move us closer to true economic equity.
