Samuel L. Jackson Honors Rev. Jesse Jackson at NAACP Image Awards

At the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, actor Samuel L. Jackson delivered a moving tribute to the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away on February 17th at the age of 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder.

A Legacy of Activism

Jackson’s speech highlighted Rev. Jackson’s lifelong dedication to civil rights and social justice. He recounted Rev. Jackson’s early life, growing up in the Jim Crow South and his subsequent work alongside Martin Luther King Jr. . He also acknowledged Rev. Jackson’s presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 and his crucial role in protecting the Voting Rights Act.

“What Would Jesse Do?”

Samuel L. Jackson shared how Rev. Jackson inspired him personally, stating, “He inspired a young man who has the same last name as his—one Samuel L. Jackson.” He encouraged attendees to continue Rev. Jackson’s fight for equality and justice, posing the question, “W.J.D. – what would Jesse do?” whenever faced with injustice.

Continuing the Mission

Jackson emphasized the importance of carrying on Rev. Jackson’s legacy, declaring, “We will continue his mission. We will carry the torch he lit and keep hope alive. And we will not be erased from this country’s history because we are somebody…”

Family Statement

Rev. Jackson’s family described him as a “servant leader” who dedicated his life to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.

Tribute at the NAACP Image Awards

The NAACP Image Awards honored Rev. Jackson’s life and work with a video tribute prior to Samuel L. Jackson’s speech. The event served as a celebration of his enduring impact on the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.