The world said goodbye this Tuesday to Reverend Jesse Jackson, tireless fighter for civil rights and social justice, whose life was marked by a commitment to the noblest causes and the defense of human dignity. His career, deeply linked to the fight against racial discrimination and inequality, made him one of the most influential figures in the civil rights movement in the United States. A disciple and continuer of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, Jackson devoted decades to combating segregation, promoting racial equity, and demanding greater opportunities for historically marginalized communities. His voice resonated not only in his country but also on international stages where he advocated dialogue, peace, and social justice as essential paths for coexistence among peoples.
That commitment brought him closer to Cuba and its historic leader, Fidel Castro Ruz, with whom he maintained a relationship of respect and friendship based on shared ideals: the dignity of peoples, national sovereignty, opposition to the embargo, and the pursuit of racial equity. Jackson understood the differences between the two countries and knew that these did not constitute an obstacle to building bridges and fostering a respectful relationship.
On multiple occasions, the reverend advocated for rapprochement between the United States and Cuba, convinced that understanding and mutual recognition could open paths where hostility had erected walls. He was a staunch opponent of the embargo against the Island and defended the need for dialogue based on respect and cooperation.