AP File Photo Gretchen Whitmer

LANSING – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist issued the following statements on the passage of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.

Governor Whitmer Statement

“Today, we mourn the loss of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a fierce advocate for justice, equality, and prosperity for all. He dedicated decades of his life to advancing civil rights and economic opportunity for the working class in the United States and around the world.

“Rev. Jackson had a special connection to Michigan and especially the city of Detroit. He visited often, standing with labor, working with local leaders, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. I was honored to meet and partner with him on our shared goals of investing in working people and ensuring every Michigander is treated with dignity and respect.

“As we heed Rev. Jackson’s tireless call to ‘Keep hope alive,’ let’s also continue to do the hard work of building a freer, fairer Michigan for all.”

Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist Statement

“Reverend Jesse Jackson was a once-in-a-lifetime leader who believed in the power of ordinary people to win the ongoing battle for justice, equality, and freedom. He fought tirelessly for these values with purpose and vision as part of the civil rights movement in America and against persecution across the globe throughout his entire career. He loved Michigan, spending time in our communities and with our people.

“At a time when only one other Black person had run for President, Rev. Jackson won the Michigan presidential primary, making history in 1988. He called us ‘to a perfect mission… to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to house the homeless, to teach the illiterate, to provide jobs for the jobless.’

“Personally, I am grateful for Rev. Jackson’s mentorship and example to me and so many others. He reinforced in me that speaking the truth is always the right thing to do in real time. As we mourn his loss and celebrate his incredible life, let us continue following in his footsteps and standing tall for a Michigan where everyone can realize their full potential for lifelong health, wealth, and opportunity.”