Rev. Jesse Jackson: "Nothing to hold us back" | 60 Minutes Archive

Rev. Jesse Jackson, the pioneering civil rights leader who recently passed away at age 84, delivered an empowering message to young Black students in Los Angeles during a 1977 60 Minutes interview, urging them to embrace self-help and build confidence in the face of societal challenges. The excerpt from the 1977 broadcast, which has resurfaced following Jackson's death, captures the essence of his lifelong commitment to uplifting African American communities through his famous slogan 'Down with dope, up with hope.' Jackson's approach encapsulated his philosophy of addressing social issues by promoting positive alternatives rather than merely opposing negative elements. This message was particularly significant in the late 1970s, a time when many urban communities were grappling with economic hardship and the challenges of the post-civil rights era. Jackson's appearance on 60 Minutes represented his transition from direct activism to broader community empowerment strategies, emphasizing personal responsibility alongside collective advocacy. His emphasis on self-help complemented his broader civil rights work, which included organizing economic boycotts, running for president, and advocating for international human rights.