Jesse Jackson’s death at age 84 brought to my mind immediately an experience I had that bore witness to the enormous political strength of this iconic civil rights leader.

I was new to Southeast Texas in 1984, the year Rev. Jackson ran for the presidency the first time. I had a side hustle going on with an election research firm in which I would cover the election in Texas. They folks for whom I worked assigned me to cover a Democratic caucus in a precinct in what we used to call Beaumont’s “fashionalb west end.”

In 1984, Texas Democrats caucused on primary election night with representatives for candidates making their arguments on behalf of their candidate. Those who attended the caucus then were asked to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice.

The west end of Beaumont was mostly white. However, Rev. Jackson — a Black Baptist preacher — managed to parlay his passionate support into votes at this caucus. Black voters were present to cast their votes for the man who spoke directly to them and for them. As it turned, Jackson would end up winning the caucus in that particular precinct while doing exceptionally well throughout Jefferson County.

I cannot recall who won the Texas Democratic primary that year, but I do recall as the nation mourns Jackson’s passing that this fiery orator, disciple of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a champion of what became the Rainbow Coalition of Americans made his presence felt in Democratic Party politics.

His imprint on the political landscape is as indelible today as it was in 1984 when he burst onto the scene as a mainstream candidate for president of the United States of America.

May this iconic leader and championn for the dispossessed rest in eternal peace.