Regent’s Park College is saddened to learn of the death of its Honorary Fellow, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family.

Jackson, one of the most prominent leaders of the American civil rights movement, was elected an Honorary Fellow of the College in November 2007. The Fellowship was conferred in recognition of his lifelong commitment to human rights, racial equality, and nonviolent social change.

During his visit to Regent’s in 2007, Jackson delivered a public lecture entitled ‘Freedom and Education’. The lecture, given in Oxford at the College, focused on expanding educational opportunities for young Black students and marked the launch of The Aspire Programme, an initiative aimed at encouraging greater participation in higher education among students from Black communities. His visit represented a significant moment in the College’s commitment to widening access and promoting educational justice.

Dr Robert Ellis, former Principal of Regent’s Park College, reflected on the occasion:

“When Jesse Jackson came to Regent’s in the summer of 2007, it was the first major public event of my principalship. Jackson was a force of nature. We felt that we were running to try and keep up with him the whole time he was at College. He worked with his distinctive style of repetition, encouragement and challenge. Whatever we wanted to talk about, his mind was always on justice – racial justice especially. It was impossible not to feel the force of his argument and his personality. He was with us in College for a short time, but he made a huge impact.”

Current Regent’s principal, Professor Sir Malcolm Evans, said:

“Jesse Jackson’s visit to Regent’s is an important part of our College history, and still has a very real impact today. His call to widen opportunity and to pursue justice through education continues to resonate with our mission. We remain committed to the principles he so powerfully articulated – that education must be a pathway to freedom, equality, and hope.”

Jackson’s life and work inspired generations to pursue justice with courage, faith and perseverance. Regent’s gives thanks for his witness and extends condolences to his family and all who mourn his passing.