On February 28, 2026, Samuel L. Jackson delivered a moving tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson during the 57th NAACP Image Awards. Wearing traditional African attire, the acclaimed actor paid homage to the civil rights leader, highlighting his vast influence and legacy. This Samuel L Jackson tribute acknowledged Rev. Jackson’s lifelong dedication to social justice and equality shortly after his passing on February 17 at age 84.
Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Journey and Impact
Samuel L. Jackson opened his speech by tracing Rev. Jesse Jackson’s humble beginnings in Greenville, South Carolina, where he was born to an 18-year-old single mother amid the oppressive Jim Crow era. Jackson described the civil rights figure’s rise
to the top of the mountain
through historic presidential campaigns and his expansion of the civil rights movement into political and economic arenas. The tribute spotlighted Rev. Jackson’s role as a key associate of Martin Luther King Jr. and his founding of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which advanced human rights both domestically and internationally.
Highlighting Decades of Advocacy and Achievements
The tribute emphasized Rev. Jackson’s unwavering commitment over more than fifty years to fighting for marginalized communities—
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 needed work,
Samuel L. Jackson remarked.
And he found jobs for our community in every endeavor, including entertainment.
The actor also shared a personal connection, revealing how Rev. Jackson’s example inspired a young man who shared his last name:
He inspired a young man who has the same last name as his — one Samuel L. Jackson.
A Call to Action Rooted in Legacy
Samuel L. Jackson urged everyone present to continue standing against injustice, no matter how subtle it may appear. He referenced the iconic I Am Somebody speech by Rev. Jesse Jackson and concluded his remarks by raising a Black Power salute to honor his memory. Jackson invited all to reflect on Rev. Jackson’s guiding principles with the question:
…Whenever we see that a wrong must be made right, all of us can ask ourselves: W.W.J.D. — what would Jesse do?
Ensuring the Continuing Influence of Rev. Jesse Jackson
Emphasizing the importance of perseverance, Samuel L. Jackson pledged to uphold the mission and vision of Rev. Jesse Jackson. He affirmed a collective responsibility to
carry the torch he lit and keep hope alive. And we will not be erased from this country’s history because we are somebody… Power to the People.
This tribute resonated deeply as a call to action for ongoing advocacy and remembrance of Jackson’s impact on civil rights, voting equality, and economic justice.
Samuel L. Jackson honors the late great Rev. Jesse Jackson at the 2026 #NAACPImageAwards pic.twitter.com/iuHJxTt97L
— clubheartbreak (@clubheartbreak) March 1, 2026
