Sheffield City Council news release:
The Reverend Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King and was the first black US presidential candidate, is to visit Sheffield on Sunday.
Reverend Jackson, who now heads the Rainbow Push Coalition in the US, will visit the city as part of his UK-wide Equanomics Tour this month.
Sheffield is one of just nine cities to host the inspirational figure, who has campaigned throughout his life against racism and inequality.
The Baptist Minister will deliver a public address in Sheffield Cathedral at 3.00pm on Sunday, 26th August. The event is free and open to all.
He will be speaking on the Equanomics campaign which highlights the economic position of minority communities, particularly the black community, and the need to involve all communities in taking the city forward.
The Leader of Sheffield City Council, Cllr Jan Wilson, said:
"Reverend Jackson is a highly respected figure in global politics and we are honouredthat Sheffield is one of two Yorkshire cities included on his UK tour.
“He is an inspiration to many and I am sure young and old will look forward to hearing him speak on such important issues as regeneration, economic growth and equality.”
Sheffield City Council is hosting the event, in partnership with the community and voluntary sector who have been instrumental in securing Sheffield's place on the tour.
Local entrepreneur David Campbell said:
“This is great news for Sheffield. Reverend Jackson's visit signifies the economic importance of the black and minority populations here in the city.”
During his seven day tour, Reverend Jackson will visit Bristol, London, Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and finally Bradford.
In the 1960s he worked alongside black civil rights leader Martin Luther King and was present when Dr King was assassinated in Memphis in 1968. The tour also commemorates the abolition of slavery, which took place 200 years ago.
Further information on the UK tour can be found at http://www.equanomics.org.uk.