DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – Reverend Jesse Jackson died at the age of 84. For one Decatur man, Jackson was a friend and life-long mentor.
“He was a father figure in my life,” Rev. Courtney Carson told WAND News on Tuesday. “He was always encouraging. And always ready to bring the best out of a situation.”
Jackson came into Carson’s life in 1999. Carson was one of seven African American students in Decatur who were suspended for two years after a large fight at a high school football game.
Jackson came to Decatur and led major protests attempting to get the Decatur School Board to change its decision. Jackson was even detained briefly by police during a protest.
Carson, now 45, became friends with Jackson, who morphed into a mentor. They frequently talked, and Carson even helped Jackson with events in the towns like Peru and Bloomington.
“He took me around the country and showed me something different. Because I was in the proximity of so many things that are designed to destroy you,” Carson said.
Today, Carson is married and the father of three. He is a community leader in Decatur and helps troubled teens.
Top Stories:
Springfield business broken into, cash register stolen
Peanut butter recalled in 20 states, including Illinois
3-year-old among 2 critically hurt in Decatur house fire
Urbana City Council rejects federal grant over DHS ties
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
