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Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Remembers the Life of Jefferson Thomas, Little Rock Nine

Please see below a statement from Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the passing of one of the nine black students who integrated an all-white high school in Little Rock, Ark., in 1957

“We are saddened by the passing of Jefferson Thomas, one of the nine black students who integrated an all-white high school in Little Rock, Ark., in 1957.

He was a freedom fighter who helped pave the way for integration, equality, respect and freedom.

During the course of his life he made an outstanding contribution to American society that is not only worthy of praise but also worthy of emulation. We must honor his life and work for engaging in more than simply charitable actions that stir the heart; but actual behavior that challenged others to change the conditions of their own lives as well.

We are very much in debt to his work and sacrifice, and we thank him for his service.”

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a progressive organization devoted to protecting, defending and expanding civil rights to improve economic and educational opportunity. The organization is headquartered at 930 E. 50th St. in Chicago. To learn more, please visit http://www.rainbowpush.org or call (773) 373-3366. To arrange an interview with Rev. Jackson, please call the numbers listed above.

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