Jackson, Jesse, 1965-

Born on March 11, 1965, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. literally was born into the civil rights movement. Son of the passionate activist, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Jackson was raised in an environment that strongly advocated education. Jackson attended North Carolina A&T State University, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in business management. He later attended the Chicago Theological Seminary, earning his master's degree in theology. He continued his education at the University of Illinois College of Law, earning his J.D. in 1993.

In 1995, he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, Jackson sits on the House Appropriations Committee and on the subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. Jackson has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from the Chicago Theological Seminary, North Carolina A&T State University and Governors State University. Jackson was reelected in 2000, with a ninety to ten margin, and then won again in 2004. Jackson is known for his liberal agenda and his broad appeal.

Outside of his political career Jackson has coauthored numerous books includingIt's About the Money: How You Can Get Out of Debt, Build Wealth, and Achieve Your Financial DreamsandLegal Lynching: The Death Penalty and America's Future. Jackson has also worked as national field director for the Rainbow Coalition.