Following the death of Civil Rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson earlier this week, Pittsburgh-area groups are remembering his impact and visits to the region.
Among them is Theresa Chalich, a founding member of Rainbow Kitchen in Homestead, which provides job training, outreach programs and food to local residents.
The nonprofit, which was founded in 1984 by Chalich, Bob Anderson and Dolores Patrick, was named after Jackson’s Rainbow Coalition that organized around social justice and political activism.
Chalich recalled a handful of visits to Homestead in the mid-to-late 1980s, around the time of his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988.
She said Jackson drew huge crowds and spoke about the importance of community and solidarity.
“We were drawn to him and we were just drawn to his charisma, his presence,” Chalich said. “They lined 12th Avenue… from the east side to the west side.”
At the time, many Pittsburgh steel mills were closing, prompting concern and activism from the local communities. Chalich said as Jackson campaigned for the presidency, he made sure to visit the families who would be impacted by such industry closures.
“We were trying to save pieces of the [Dorothy 6 Blast Furnance]. We didn’t know what was happening,” she said.
“It was just a really confusing and chaotic time for us. He was able to stop off and talk to people… the whole idea of us all working together.”
Jackson also visited the Hill District, Northview Heights and other city neighborhoods during his campaign trips to the area.