By Tracy Gray, President, UNA-USA, Atlanta Chapter
The United Nations recognizes February 20, 2026, as the UN World Day of Social Justice. The occasion is brought into focus by the beloved global community of social justice and peace losing a towering moral voice. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. devoted his life to social justice, dignity, and the conviction that a shared destiny binds humanity together.
For those of us in the United Nations Association of the United States of America, Atlanta Chapter, his work reflects the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—advancing social justice, peace, equity, and opportunity across borders, and keeping faith with the promise of America and the nonviolent beloved community.
Over the years, it was my distinct honor to cover Rev. Jackson as a journalist. I had the privilege of witnessing his work up close—on the streets, in churches, in civic halls, and across international platforms. As I recently looked through several photographs I took of him in action, I was reminded of the urgency and compassion that defined his mission. Whether he was advocating for sustainable development, human rights, voting rights, or global peace and security, he cried out for radical freedom—both nationally and internationally. His dream was radical in its simplicity: to let every person know they are somebody, and to keep hope alive.
The United Nations recognizes February 20, 2026, as the UN World Day of Social Justice. The occasion is brought into focus by the beloved global community of social justice and peace losing a towering moral voice. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. devoted his life to social justice, dignity, and the conviction that a shared destiny binds humanity together.
For those of us in the United Nations Association of the United States of America, Atlanta Chapter, his work reflects the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—advancing social justice, peace, equity, and opportunity across borders, and keeping faith with the promise of America and the nonviolent beloved community.
Over the years, it was my distinct honor to cover Rev. Jackson as a journalist. I had the privilege of witnessing his work up close—on the streets, in churches, in civic halls, and across international platforms. As I recently looked through several photographs I took of him in action, I was reminded of the urgency and compassion that defined his mission. Whether he was advocating for sustainable development, human rights, voting rights, or global peace and security, he cried out for radical freedom—both nationally and internationally. His dream was radical in its simplicity: to let every person know they are somebody, and to keep hope alive.
Rev. Jesse Jackson and Tracy Gray
Rev. Jackson’s legacy resonates in at least five powerful ways that align with the global goals and the UN’s mission.
First, he championed economic justice and opportunity, advocating for fair employment, minority business inclusion, and anti-poverty initiatives—work that reflects SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Second, he promoted educational access and youth empowerment through programs such as the PUSH Excel initiative, which embodies SDG 4 (Quality Education) and empowers young people to lead with purpose.
Third, he stood on the front lines of the civil rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Barack Obama. He marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge for voting rights alongside SCLC president Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery and worked closely with Congressman John Lewis. Those efforts advanced equality, democratic participation, and justice—core principles reflected in SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Fourth, he demonstrated the power of diplomacy through courageous humanitarian missions. In 1984, he negotiated the release of downed U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Robert Goodman from Syria and later helped secure the freedom of hostages in the region. His peacebuilding trips to Mexico and other countries demonstrated that dialogue and moral leadership can open doors that politics alone cannot.
Fifth, his two historic campaigns for President of the United States expanded the political imagination of a generation, bringing the language of inclusion, justice, and global cooperation into the national conversation—an embodiment of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Rev. Jackson reminded us that social justice and peace require action. As we honor his legacy, may we continue his work—educating, inspiring, and mobilizing our communities to build a more just and peaceful world for all.
First, he championed economic justice and opportunity, advocating for fair employment, minority business inclusion, and anti-poverty initiatives—work that reflects SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Second, he promoted educational access and youth empowerment through programs such as the PUSH Excel initiative, which embodies SDG 4 (Quality Education) and empowers young people to lead with purpose.
Third, he stood on the front lines of the civil rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Barack Obama. He marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge for voting rights alongside SCLC president Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery and worked closely with Congressman John Lewis. Those efforts advanced equality, democratic participation, and justice—core principles reflected in SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Fourth, he demonstrated the power of diplomacy through courageous humanitarian missions. In 1984, he negotiated the release of downed U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Robert Goodman from Syria and later helped secure the freedom of hostages in the region. His peacebuilding trips to Mexico and other countries demonstrated that dialogue and moral leadership can open doors that politics alone cannot.
Fifth, his two historic campaigns for President of the United States expanded the political imagination of a generation, bringing the language of inclusion, justice, and global cooperation into the national conversation—an embodiment of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Rev. Jackson reminded us that social justice and peace require action. As we honor his legacy, may we continue his work—educating, inspiring, and mobilizing our communities to build a more just and peaceful world for all.
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Photo credits: Tracy Gray
