Rev. Jesse Jackson's Emotional DNC Appearance Garners Standing Ovation

Civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson received a heartfelt tribute and standing ovation at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Despite battling Parkinson’s disease, Jackson made a surprise appearance, highlighting his enduring influence on the civil rights movement and his longstanding dedication to equality.

American civil rights activist, Reverend Jesse Jackson, received a standing ovation at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Monday (local time). A prominent figure in the US civil rights movement, Rev. Jackson was honored by the Democrats for his unwavering dedication to advancing civil rights and equality for all Americans, according to CNN.

Jackson made his appearance at the DNC in a wheelchair due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease, diagnosed in 2017, which has kept him out of the public eye. The 82-year-old civil rights leader shared the stage with Reverend Al Sharpton and NAACP President Derrick Johnson.

Though he did not speak, Jackson received a standing ovation and waved to the crowd. Earlier in the evening, Democratic Party Chair Jamie Harrison acknowledged that Jackson's 1984 DNC speech in Chicago served as an inspiration to him and the nation to "keep hope alive." CNN notes that Jackson joined the civil rights movement as a teenager and worked under Martin Luther King Jr.

Jackson was standing next to King on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel just before the civil rights leader was assassinated in 1968. In the wake of King's death, Jackson founded the Chicago-based civil rights group Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), aimed at empowering African Americans. The Democratic National Convention commenced on Monday (August 19) in Chicago, featuring keynote speakers like First Lady Jill Biden and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Asian American and Black woman to lead a major party ticket, was officially recognized as the Democratic nominee following a virtual vote last month. This came after President Joe Biden stepped aside and endorsed her, uniting the party behind her candidacy.

Harris secured the nomination, succeeding Biden who withdrew amid concerns over his age, especially after his disappointing performance in a debate with Donald Trump in June. Meanwhile, Trump is plotting his return to the White House after a contentious departure in 2020. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)