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The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks at the University of Michigan's Trotter Multicultural Center in Ann Arbor on Monday.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Like many recent college graduates, Terika McCall is looking for a job. So when she heard The Rev. Jesse Jackson would be talking today at the University of Michigan about jobs, among other things, she jumped at the opportunity.
When asked which topic she was most interested in hearing about, the recent University of Michigan graduate said, "jobs and justice, definitely." After a short pause, McCall added, "I say all three - jobs, justice and peace."
The week-long "Rebuild America: Jobs, Justice & Peace" tour is an effort to further the work of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which counts Jackson as its president and founder. The tour will come to a close Saturday with a march in Detroit.
Jackson spoke to a nearly full house this afternoon at the William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center, recalling his involvement in the civil rights movement and urging the students of today to get active.
University of Michigan student Terika McCall, left, and Ypsilanti resident Donna Wilson listen during Rev. Jesse Jackson's speech.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
"We must revive within America a really serious student movement," Jackson said. "Marching is old hat. I'm tired of marching.
"But how can you be tired of something you've never done?," he asked them, adding: "Marching always works."
McCall said one thing Jackson said really struck a chord with her. "He said, (students are) having 'guaranteed debt without a guaranteed job' — it's very important and very real," she said.
Jackson encouraged students across the state to rally together for various causes, including student loan forgiveness, jobs and ending the current wars.
He called for a "stimulus bottom-up, as opposed to top-down."
"Somehow, someway, we must commit ourselves to watering the roots, not just watering the leaves," he said.
Lafleur Stephens, a University of Michigan public policy and political science graduate student, called Jackson's speech inspiring.
"His call for unity and the fact that his message was a universal one. ... And also the idea that the struggle isn't over," she said.
Stephens said she plans to join the march Saturday and will encourage her friends and family to do the same.
The tour's scheduled stops across the state include Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Flint, Dearborn, East Lansing, and Detroit.
Participants in Saturday's march are asked to meet at 10:30 a.m. at the UAW-Ford National Programs Center, 151 W. Jefferson Ave. A rally will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Grand Circus Park.
Heather Lockwood is a reporter for AnnArbor.com, reach her at heatherlockwood@annarbor.com, or follow her on Twitter.
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