Samuel L. Jackson Honors Rev. Jesse Jackson at NAACP Image Awards 2026

Nicole WeaverSun, March 1, 2026 at 2:25 AM UTC

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Black activist ReverendJesse Jackson, died at 84 on February 17. The NAACP Image Awards honored his work by giving a detailed description of his career with a video.

Samuel L. Jackson then took the stage to give touching words about what Rev. Jesse Jackson meant to him. The crowd then repeated one of Rev. Jackson's famous saying back to him.

Samuel L. Jackson Says Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Mission Will Continue

Samuel L. Jackson

The award show highlighted the Civil Rights leader's work with Martin Luther King Jr. He later ran for president as a Democrat in 1984 and 1988. His work to protect the Voting Rights Act led to President Obama's later success. Rev. Jackson also focused on inspiring overlooked students.

"Some of you may have not been around when he took up the mantle from Dr. King that tragic day in Memphis. But for over half a century, which is a long damn time to be on the front lines, he advocated for the poor, the disenfranchised, for those who need work," Jackson, 77, said. "And found jobs for our community in every endeavor, including entertainment."

Rev. Jackson inspired the three-time NAACP Image award winner, coming from a poor background. "And even though we no longer hear his voice, whenever we see that wrong must be made right," he said. "All of us can ask ourselves, WWJD? What would Jesse do?" The actor told the audience to say, "I am somebody" and they did.

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"And we will continue his mission and carry the torching lit and keep both alive, and we will not be erased from this country's history. Come on dancing because of you. We are," the actor finished.

Related: Bernice King Remembers Rev. Jesse Jackson as a ‘A Courageous Bridge‑Builder’

Rev. Jackson Sr. was diagnosed with a progressive neurological condition in 2017. His family announced their loss in a Facebook post. "He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family," read the post. "His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless—from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote—leaving an indelible mark on history." His family was also in attendance at the ceremony.

Related: ’80s Songwriter Said He ‘Sacrificed’ Because of Rev. Jesse Jackson

Correction 2/28/2026: A previous version of the article claimed the NAACP Image Awards opened with honoring Rev. Jesse Jackson. That was incorrect.

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”