Dear Family Focus Community,
It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that we acknowledge the passing of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a towering civil rights leader, ordained minister, and groundbreaking presidential candidate whose life reshaped the moral landscape of our nation. Reverend Jackson’s resolute commitment to justice, equality, and love for humanity helped expand democracy, elevate marginalized voices, and inspire generations to believe that change is not only possible, but necessary.
As a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Reverend Jackson carried forward the movement for civil rights with courage and conviction. Through Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition, he championed economic equity, voter engagement, and opportunity for communities too often overlooked. His presidential campaigns in the 1980s were not only historic, they were transformative, giving voice and visibility to millions who had long been excluded from the national conversation.
For me personally, Reverend Jackson’s legacy is deeply felt. As a Detroit native, I grew up witnessing the ripple effects of his leadership across the Midwest. In Chicago, where Family Focus has served children and families for 175 years, his presence was both symbolic and tangible. He reminded this city and this nation that justice requires action, that faith must be lived, and that love is strongest when it is expressed through service.
I had the privilege of meeting Reverend Jackson and experiencing firsthand his commanding presence and moral clarity. What I carry from that encounter is his insistence that we widen the circle, that we refuse to accept inequity as inevitable, and that we organize with purpose. He challenged institutions to be accountable and communities to be hopeful at the same time.
At Family Focus, our mission is to strengthen families and promote social and economic mobility across generations. Our work in early childhood education, family support, youth development, and advocacy reflects a belief that every child deserves dignity, opportunity, and the freedom to thrive. In many ways, that belief echoes Reverend Jackson’s lifelong call to center the marginalized, protect the vulnerable, and build systems rooted in justice and love.
Many of our team members, partners, and families have been inspired by Reverend Jackson’s example. His life reminds us that progress is sustained not by rhetoric alone, but by consistent, courageous action. As we reflect on his legacy, we recommit ourselves to the values he championed. We will continue working to ensure that children are safe, families are supported, and communities have the tools to build a more equitable future.
On behalf of the Family Focus community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Jackson family and to all who were touched by his extraordinary life. May we honor his memory not only in words, but in the daily work of justice, equality, and love.
Dara T. Cohen
President & CEO