Rev. Jesse Jackson’s visit to the Shoals was a life moment for many NW Alabama residents

(The Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away February 17, 2026, at the age of 84. Jackson leaves a lasting legacy upon our country as he inspired hope in all people. Russellville resident Sheryl Hamilton recalls her family’s excitement when they heard Jackson was going to visit Colbert County High School many years ago. This is her story.)

Excitement was capturing the minds of residents around the Tri-County Area when the word circulated that Rev. Jesse Jackson was coming to the Shoals.

The children of Sheryl Hamilton were young but she knew one day they would be carrying on the legacy of HOPE.

The theme of Rev. Jackson’s speech was HOPE for a better Tomorrow. His vision was that there could be a better day ahead. Also, HOPE that all people could one day share the same benefits that these United States has to offer. A brighter day would come and equal opportunities would knock at our doors.  

Rev. Jackson had always been in the lives of the Hamiltons. Every year there was a call to go back to Selma to the Bridge Crossing. So many of our friends were there at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge waiting for the signal to start the march. Some were there because they knew the true meaning of that moment back in the sixties; some were there because they were just learning what had taken place during the Civil Rights Era and the changes that were occurring. We were there because the late Rev. Hamilton was a Foot Solider.

With joyful hearts, the Hamiltons traveled to Colbert County High School with anticipation of what Rev. Jackson would say. Carla Hamiton with her red pants and Darryl Hamilton with his gold outfit could not be still.

As children they knew something extra special was happening.’ “Keep Hope Alive” resounded all thru his message, said Sheryl Hamilton. “Rev. Jessie Jackson was a Presidential Candidate in the eighties and he wanted to represent all people. He loved people no matter their color or nationality, he wanted to be their leader.”

The late Rev. C. D. Hamilton would share Bloody Sunday each year in March with the Rev. Jackson. Our family looked forward to that special trip to Selma to learn more about our history. These two men were activists at an early age and wanted to see change come to America.

Rev. Jesse Jackson proudly walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge each year in a reenactment of the Selma to Montgomery march. The late John Lewis, Joseph Lowery, and Jesse Jackson led the march. Rev. C.D. Hamilton was not far behind. Jackson helped to shape history with his Rainbow Coalition. Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and the National Rainbow Coalition organizations pursued social justice, civil rights, and political activism. Whether black, white, brown, red, yellow, young, or old; he wanted to be a leader for all God’s people.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we will always remember a true leader was called to rest. A historical figure that helped pave the way for so many. We will stand on his shoulders just as we have stood on the shoulders of Dr. Martin Luther King.