Civil Rights leader Jesse L. Jackson dies at 84; legacy felt from Washington to Cape Fear

(WWAY) — Eulogies are pouring in after the death of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, who led the U.S. Civil Rights Movement for decades. The protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate was 84.

Jackson began his career as a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and quickly rose to become one of the nation’s most prominent and influential civil rights leaders.

Jackson also had strong ties to the Cape Fear region.

In 1983, he visited the University of North Carolina Wilmington and spoke at a prayer breakfast—encouraging attendees—especially the African American community—to vote.

Then, a year later, he received a warm welcome from supporters in Wilmington during his presidential run.

New Hanover County NAACP President LeRon Montgomery says Jackson was an inspirational figure who touched him personally.

“I do believe Revered Jackson did pave the way for me to be in the spot that I am, and now as President of the local branch of the NAACP. You know, Reverend Jackson, along with Martin Luther King, Reverend Alvin Alley, these were national examples of what someone can do locally, and to just hear of his passing, being one of the last ones of that generation,” said Montgomery.

Jackson had another Cape Fer connection; he helped negotiate the release of a former Yaupon Beach resident, Mark Ely Jr., who was jailed in Cuba and accused of drug smuggling.