Jesse Jackson: I Am Somebody

This episode of Biography examines Jesse Jackson's controversial rise to prominence starting with his illegitimate birth in South Carolina. In filmed testimonials, schoolmates and teachers tell of the promising athlete who gave up sports to heed the call of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interviews with such notable black leaders as Julian Bond and Andrew Young offer insight into what drove the charismatic Jackson into the limelight. Jesse Jackson: I Am Somebody would be useful for classes on American History, African American History, American Culture, Political Science and Civics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• aptitude
• articulate
• charisma
• forlorn
• illegitimate
• interim
• mores
• oratory
• pandemonium
• patronage
• pugilist
• retraction
• seminary
• status quo
• supersede
• viability

1. Jesse Jackson's mother and his natural father were not married. How did his illegitimacy affect his childhood and his adulthood?

2. Jackson grew up in the South during the era of segregation. Why were blacks and whites separated? How did this affect African Americans?

3. In 1960, African American college students staged a sit-in at a Woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. What was Jackson's role in these sit-ins and what was the impact of them on America?

4. Jesse Jackson is not only a political leader, but also a religious leader. What is the role of a preacher in the African American community?

5. Racism exists both in the North and in the South, but differently. How is racism different in these regions?

6. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in April 1968. How did King's death affect Jackson?

7. How did Jackson become involved in both national and international politics?

8. Jesse Jackson has always been a controversial figure. Why?

9. How has Jesse Jackson changed America? What are his contributions to American society?

1. Imagine that you are a newspaper reporter and are assigned to cover the Greensboro sit-ins. Write a column for your readers that describes the events and their significance.

2. Create a poster for Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign.

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Air Dates

• February 17, 2004