Honoring Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and Dr. Huey P. Newton’s 84th Birthday
Statement from Congressman Bobby L. Rush (Retired) on the Passing of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Jacqueline “Jackie” Jackson and the entire Jackson family.
The Reverend taught me so many things through the enormity of his leadership, his passion, and his endless sacrifices for “the least of these.” He literally saved my life on the stage of Operation Breadbasket—later to become Operation PUSH—on Saturday, December 6, 1969.
A warrant had been issued for my arrest after the FBI assassinated Fred Hampton. I turned myself in that day, and Reverend Jackson said they’d better return me in the same condition I was in on that stage. If it were not for Reverend Jackson, Renault Robinson, and others, I would have been dead.
Since then, Reverend Jackson has been a constant presence in both my public and private life.
He taught everybody that we are SOMEBODY, and his spirit will endure forever.
PHOTO: (l–r) Bill Hampton, brother of Fred Hampton; Reverend Jesse Jackson; Operation Breadbasket; Bobby L. Rush, co-founder of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party; and Renault Robinson, Afro-American Patrolmen's League — Saturday, December 6, 1969. Chicago History Museum ST-17500697-E1, Chicago Sun-Times collection.
Honoring Dr. Huey P. Newton’s 84th Birthday; Feb. 17, 1942
Today, as we pause to honor Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr.—whose leadership shaped generations of movement work—we are also reminded that legacy lives through those who came before, those who carried it forward, and those charged with its stewardship today.
PHOTO: February 21, 1971; Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, speaks in observance of the assassination of Malcolm X at the Coliseum, 1513 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL. ST-80001259-0009, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum
60th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party
The Black Panther Party was founded October 15, 1966, by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale
On October 15–17, 2026, the world will gather in Oakland, California, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party.
Founded in Oakland in 1966 by Dr. Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, the Black Panther Party transformed the material and political realities of Black communities and reshaped movements for liberation around the world.
We especially honor the veterans whose discipline, sacrifice, and political commitment made this moment possible. Because of them, the work did not end. Because of them, the legacy lives.
On Dr. Huey P. Newton’s birthday, the Black Panther Party 60th Anniversary Committee marks this moment by opening the official waitlist.
Join the official waitlist to receive priority access to registration, program announcements, and anniversary events:
www.bpp60.org
This historic gathering will take place in Oakland—the birthplace of the Black Panther Party—from October 15 through October 17, 2026.
All Power to the People.
—
Black Panther Party 60th Anniversary Committee
Heritage Trail Update
In this same spirit of stewardship, we continue our work on the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois.
We are actively developing the Trail’s online interpretive materials, coordinating with the City of Chicago on the installation of our historical markers, and planning a Chicago-based 60th Anniversary commemoration at the Cultural Center for those who may not be able to travel to Oakland.
Additional details coming soon.
