Lincoln University of Missouri Remembers Civil Rights Advocate Rev. Jesse Jackson

Lincoln University of Missouri remembers Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader and advocate for social justice, who dedicated his life to equality, voting rights and empowering communities across the nation. Featured image: Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks to the LU community in Mitchell Auditorium, Richardson Fine Arts Center, on Oct. 6, 1992.

The Lincoln University of Missouri community joins the nation in mourning the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Feb. 17. A lifelong advocate for civil rights, voting access and economic justice, Jackson spent decades calling Americans to civic participation, unity and justice. His voice helped shape national conversations about equality, opportunity and the moral responsibility of citizenship.

That message resonated on Lincoln’s campus when Jackson visited on Oct. 6, 1992. According to coverage in The Clarion, he addressed students, faculty and community members in Mitchell Auditorium, Richardson Fine Arts Center, encouraging them to register and vote ahead of the November 1992 presidential election. His remarks focused on voter participation, political accountability and the responsibility of citizens to use their voices at the ballot box during a pivotal election year.

Rev. Jesse Jackson with LU President David Henson.

“We are not fighting for welfare, but fair share,” Jackson told the audience. He reminded listeners that access to the vote had not always been guaranteed, saying, “Surely, we who have it now, must use it to make America better.” Speaking directly to students, he urged them to register and to “vote with a passion,” underscoring his belief that civic engagement is essential to building a more just society.

The 1992 event brought together university and community leaders. President Wendell Rayburn joined Jackson on stage, along with Student Government Association President Jerome Offord and Miss Lincoln Daria Williams. Jefferson City Mayor Louise Gardner presented Jackson with the key to the city. Members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity honored him with an early birthday cake, and the Ambassadors of Praise provided musical selections for the event.

As Lincoln University reflects on Jackson’s life and legacy, the university remembers not only his national impact but also the words he shared within Richardson Auditorium — words that called the campus community to civic responsibility, unity and action. His visit remains a meaningful chapter in Lincoln University’s history and a reminder of the enduring importance of participation, partnership and purpose.