New York, NY, Thursday, February 19, 2026 – Reverend Jesse Jackson, a monumental figure in the Civil Rights Movement, dedicated his life to social justice and equality. His powerful voice and unwavering commitment helped reshape the American landscape, inspiring generations to pursue justice and equality for all.

As a protégé of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time contender for the presidency, Reverend Jesse Jackson carried forward the torch of the Civil Rights Movement for many years after Dr. King’s passing. His guidance, vision, and tireless advocacy made a lasting impression, influencing both the nation and the world.

Throughout his life, Reverend Jackson led numerous initiatives across the United States and around the globe, advocating for those facing poverty and marginalization. His work spanned critical areas including voting rights, employment, education and health care. He led the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition securing important victories internationally and championing Black empowerment and self-determination within major corporations—urging leaders to foster a fairer and more inclusive society. The impact of Reverend Jesse Jackson’s legacy remains evident in the ongoing pursuit of justice, equality and human rights.

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The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY) is the professional membership organization of choice for more than 4,100 attorneys throughout New York State and the largest statewide women’s bar association in the country. For 45 years, WBASNY has been a singularly important resource for women lawyers, providing professional networking, continuing legal education programming, leadership training, and advocacy for the rights of women, children, and families. Through involvement with WBASNY’s 20 regional chapters and its 50 committees, WBASNY’s members collaborate with one another on a variety of issues and perform public and community service, in furtherance of its mission to promote the advancement of the status of women in society and women in the legal profession; to promote the fair and equal administration of justice; and to act as a unified voice for its members with respect to issues of statewide, national and international significance to women generally and women attorneys in particular. WBASNY holds United Nations NGO status with the U.N.’s Department of Public Information, and Special Consultative status in association with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). WBASNY is also a founding member of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations.