"Jesse Jackson is one of the most influential American leaders of the last half century, and historically one of the giants of the African American freedom struggle. In his paean to Jackson, I Am Somebody, David Masciotra, based on research, and extensive first-hand observations and multiple interviews with Jackson, presents a sprightly analysis of why Jackson matters in the African American freedom movement, human rights and the quest for a more just, equalitarian and inclusive American democracy. Although a sympathetic portrayal, Masciotra carefully balances admiration and detachment in his assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the man and his work. The book is an important addition to the literature on Post-Civil Era American politics." –Robert C. Smith, Emeritus Professor of Political Science, San Francisco State University, USA
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I Am Somebody is a book for anyone interested in presidential politics, Black American political history, and the link between the civil rights movement and modern political uprisings. Jesse Jackson has served as a consistent voice for economic freedom and racial equality, and David Masciotra intricately lays out the contributions of Jackson as we continue to fight for democracy, religious and economic freedom, racial equity, and the promise of the American dream. His analysis introduces us to a multifaceted and holistic Jackson, not a hagiographic retelling of Jackson's life and accomplishments. Jackson's concern was for the liberation and emancipation of people, at home and abroad, Black and non-Black, and it is this lifelong work that has solidified Jackson and his work into the moral fabric of this country. There is no Barack Obama, Black Lives Matter, or modern day poor people's movement without Jesse Jackson. A must read for anyone interested in race, protest politics, electoral politics, the Civil Rights Movement, leadership, and the power of one man to continue a civil rights legacy across generations to change the course of electoral history in America." –
Christina M. Greer, PhD, Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University, New York, USA. Author of Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream "My relationship with Jesse Jackson began in high school when he played quarterback at Sterling High School in Greenville, SC and I played quarterback at Lincoln High School in Sumter, SC. He attended A & T State University where he played quarterback and I quarterbacked at Clark Atlanta University. We both pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and served on its national board of directors. We were born to teenage mothers and both of them became beauticians and good friends. I know Jesse Jackson. I spent two years, 1980-82, as his executive vice president of Operation PUSH and served as the chief negotiator for signing covenants with major corporations. I know Jesse Jackson. Many books and articles have been written about "the Country Preacher", however, in this book, David Masciotra, has written the most comprehensive and balanced work on the life of this civil rights icon. It should be in every home, library and public place. Jesse Jackson is a citizen of the world." –
James L. Felder, Author and Former Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, USA
