The leaders of two local human rights groups paid tribute to civil rights advocate Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at the age of 84. 

“His legacy is very well established,” said Tony Stewart, secretary of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, which just marked its 45th anniversary. “He helped bring tremendous changes to our country. He had a tremendous influence.” 

Jeanette Laster, executive director of the Human Rights Education Institute in Coeur d'Alene, said Jackson was influential in moving civil rights through generations, bridging a gap from the late 1960s to today.

She said he was effective at connecting with young adults and casting a spotlight on injustices. 

“His voice will be one that's very missed in our nation,” Laster said. 

Stewart said while there were many leaders during the civil rights movement, Jesse Jackson stood out. 

“He was one of the giants,” Stewart said. 

Jackson was close to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and in some ways very much like him, Stewart said.

He said Jackson maintained his focus on a number of important issues. In doing so, he changed what was acceptable and made clear what was not.

He wasn’t afraid to speak up about racial injustice, political inequality and economic disparity. He fought for the poor and the less fortunate, urging them to believe change was possible.

“He opened doors,” Stewart said. 

Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988 and while he didn’t win, he did well enough as a Black candidate that it paved the way for Barack Obama’s election as president in 2008, Stewart said.

“He had quite a following at the convention,” Stewart said. 

Jackson, like many civil rights leaders, was a dynamic, powerful speaker, something he learned in the church and something that served him well in his career.

“He was a pioneer in establishing the groundwork for others,” Stewart said.  

Laster said that in the weeks to come, she expects “great conversations” around the country on the impact of Jesse Jackson.

“It’s amazing how influential he really was in moving civil rights forward, through several generations,” she said. 

Laster said Jackson was not focused on political parties, but on being a unifying voice for civil rights for all people. 

“His voice will be one that's very missed in our nation,” Last said. “It's strong voice and it really represents the voice of what we all should be thinking about right now.” 

    Laster