The Reverend Jesse Jackson , his visits to Rochester, NY.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away at age 84 on February 17, 2026, visited Rochester, New York, numerous times throughout his career as a civil rights icon and presidential candidate. His visits often centered on themes of empowerment, voting rights, and social justice.

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• December 1983: Jackson appeared on the WHAM-TV program Morning Break with anchor Don Alhart and visited the Marketplace Mall in Henrietta.
• 1984 Presidential Campaign: Jackson spoke at the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, criticizing nuclear escalation, and held a grassroots rally at the Central Church of Christ. During this trip, he famously stayed overnight with a local family on Jay Street.
• 1985: He visited the region to advocate for the release of hostage and Batavia native Terry Anderson.
• 1988 Presidential Campaign: Jackson participated in a Democratic primary debate at the Eastman Theatre alongside Al Gore and Michael Dukakis. He also held a major “Rainbow Coalition” rally at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
• 1989: He returned to the city to campaign for mayoral candidate John Erb.
• February 1999: Invited by the RIT Student Government, Jackson spoke on the state of race relations and diversity.
• February 2007: Jackson delivered the 6th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address at the University of Rochester’s Strong Auditorium, titled “Linked Fates: Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere”.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson at Franklin High School. Next to him is retired elementary school Principal William Lewis. Photo courtesy of William Lewis family.