Jackson’s demise means virtually all of the highest-ranking black politicians are senior citizens. The 48-year-old Jackson was one of three black congressmen in the Illinois delegation, but by far the youngest: Danny Davis is 71 and Bobby Rush is 66.
The most powerful African-American in local government, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, is 65, while Secretary of State Jesse White — the only black state-wide office holder — is 78.
The younger Jackson’s resignation, combined with the aging of many other African-American elected officials, is hastening the search for fresh faces who might restore or even enhance the community’s clout. Younger African-American leaders in lower-level positions said they believe a new generation is ready to come of age.
This is actually some hopeful news. I have a lot of empathy for the older generation of black Americans. They grew up in and had to deal with a lot of crap from whites, and I don't begrudge them seeing things even today based upon their experiences with racism during their formative years.
But to be honest, this is a different world today, and the black community needs to start recognizing this openly. But it won't do that until the older generation leaves the stage. Jesse Jackson Sr. began as a man with noble intentions who did good work fighting real racism when it was necessary. But over the years America changed and he has become the Las Vegas Elvis version of a civil rights activist, consigned to replaying his old hits and never singing anything new while the world has passed him by. Even today he will compare minor events to Selma, Alabama, which only trivializes Selma, Alabama and denies his whole life's work had any effect at all. There is nothing going on today that remotely compares to the systemic racism encountered in earlier generations.
And the hidden good news is that they are looking so hard for the new generation to carry on from the older generation. There is a reason it isn't there, it isn't necessary. Martin Luther King was necessary in his time, but there is no need for another one today. There will still be black politicians, but they just need to be politicians and leaders.
For all their faults and problems, the republican party basically understands this, and is standing behind good black people by the content of their character.
Thank you for your service, elderly generation of black Americans. You can legitimately feel you changed America, mostly for the better. But please, just go.