‘Jesse Jackson: In His Own Words’ BET Special

BET will honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of civil rights leader, activist, and political trailblazer Rev. Jesse Jackson with a special broadcast, “Jesse Jackson: In His Own Words,” airing Today Wednesday, February 18th at 12 PM ET/PT and 11 PM ET/PT, and Thursday, February 19th at 9 PM ET/PT on BET.

The broadcast comes as the nation reflects on the passing of Rev. Jackson, whose decades of service helped reshape the landscape of civil rights and justice in America.

Narrated by CBS News National Correspondent Michelle Miller, this BET News special offers a rare and powerful look at Rev. Jackson’s life through archival interviews and historic speeches that capture his profound national and global impact.

From championing civil rights and economic empowerment to advocating for peace, gender equality, and social justice, Jackson’s voice shaped generations.

Structured in four powerful acts, the special chronicles:

• ACT I: Civil Rights – Jackson’s humble beginnings and early activism in the segregated South and Midwest.
• ACT II: Social Justice Warrior – His rise as a national leader following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where Jackson stood by King’s side in his final moments.
• ACT III: It’s Political – Jackson’s groundbreaking presidential campaigns and emergence as a formidable political force.
• ACT IV: Keep Hope Alive – His continued fight for justice and equality, even amid health challenges, solidifying his legacy as a relentless change agent.

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a central figure in the modern Civil Rights Movement, marching alongside Dr. King and later founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

His historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 expanded the political imagination for Black Americans and communities of color nationwide.

His leadership spanned decades and movements, leaving an undeniably transformative impact.

BET remembers Rev. Jesse Jackson as a leader, organizer, and visionary whose work transcended politics and inspired movements across the globe.

UB In Memoriam: Trailblazer Rev. Jesse L. Jackson