LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – As the nation honors civil rights leader Jesse Jackson\u2019s decades of advocacy, one Lubbock resident recalls a personal encounter that left a lasting impression.<\/p>\n
Floyd Price served as Jackson\u2019s police escort when the presidential candidate visited Lubbock in 1988 during his groundbreaking campaign for the Democratic nomination.<\/p>\n
\u201cJesse was an excellent person, an excellent speaker. He was good with communicating, an excellent communicator. I really enjoyed his presence and he made a big difference in my life,\u201d Price said.<\/p>\n
Jackson\u2019s 1988 visit to Lubbock was part of his historic effort to become the first major Black candidate to build a serious, nationwide voter coalition. His message of unity resonated wherever he traveled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmerica is more like a quilt, many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sizes, all woven and held together,\u201d Jackson said during the 1984 Democratic National Convention.<\/p>\n
Price, born in 1940 and raised during segregation, had spent his life serving the community as a farmer, U.S. Army veteran, and Lubbock police officer for more than 30 years before entering local politics as a city councilman.<\/p>\n
During Jackson\u2019s campaign stop, Price witnessed the candidate\u2019s natural ability to connect with people.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember we were walking down the street and it was some people calling his name and he stopped. He walked over there to the crows of people and started communicating to them,\u201d Price recalled.<\/p>\n
Jackson\u2019s presidential run emphasized expanding voter participation and uplifting marginalized communities, particularly in smaller cities that often felt overlooked by national politics.<\/p>\n
Price appreciated Jackson\u2019s willingness to take clear stands on important issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a stepping stone and the thing about Jesse was that he wasn\u2019t afraid to let people know where he stood and he for equalization for everyone,\u201d Price said.<\/p>\n
While Jackson didn\u2019t win the presidency, his campaign transformed American politics and helped pave the way for future leaders, including President Barack Obama.<\/p>\n
Decades later, Price believes Jackson\u2019s message of unity remains relevant.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven in out fractured state, all of us count and fit somewhere. We have proven we can survive without each other but we have not proven we can make progress without each other,\u201d Jackson said.<\/p>\n
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