By The Honorable Rick Singh
Former Orange County Property Appraiser
Commentary

From marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and running historic presidential campaigns, Reverend Jesse Jackson never stopped challenging America to live up to its promise.

He empowered millions to declare, “I am somebody,” and helped expand opportunities for leaders of color in politics and public life.

During the Justice for Trayvon Martin movement, I had the extraordinary honor of spending time with Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson — not for a single meeting, but for two full weeks as I drove him throughout Florida.

What made the experience even more unforgettable was this: Reverend Jackson was traveling with his biographer, who often sat in the back seat of my car.

So for two weeks, I didn’t just have the privilege of being near a civil rights icon — I had a front-row seat to living history.

As we drove from city to city, I listened to stories you won’t find in textbooks — stories from the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Stories of struggle, sacrifice, and strategy. Stories about the leaders he stood beside, the battles he fought, and the moments that helped shape America.

But what stayed with me just as much as the history…
was the humanity.

One of the most memorable parts of those two weeks was watching Reverend Jackson in everyday moments — especially when we stopped at one of his favorite restaurants: Cracker Barrel.

Away from microphones and stages, I saw him interact with people from every walk of life — working families, seniors, young people, staff members, strangers who recognized him, and people who didn’t.

And he treated them all the same.

With respect.
With warmth.
With patience.
With genuine attention.

It was a powerful reminder that his leadership was never about ego — it was always about people.

In his later years, like so many of our elders, there were moments when it took him a while to recognize me.

I’ll be honest — at first, I felt that familiar sadness that comes when you realize time is catching up with all of us.

But then something happened that I will never forget.

After we talked for a bit — just when I thought he still wasn’t sure who I was — he suddenly lit up and said:

“Singh! You still got the 550?”

He was talking about my Mercedes.

And in that instant, I didn’t just laugh — I felt something deeper.

Because that wasn’t small talk.

That was Jesse Jackson reminding me that even when time tries to steal memories, the important ones fight their way back. Some connections don’t disappear — they just take a little longer to surface.

I also remember something else — something personal.

At the time, I was on the fence about running for public office.

I had the desire… but I also had uncertainty.

Reverend Jackson sensed it.

He smiled and told me I was sharp, good-looking, tall, and had a good head of hair — and then he said something that I still carry with me today.

He looked at me and said:

“Singh… you are somebody.”

In that moment, I understood something great leaders do better than anyone else:

They don’t just inspire crowds.
They inspire individuals.

They plant seeds.

They remind you of your worth — and your responsibility — even when you’re not sure you’re ready.

Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson is not simply someone who witnessed history — he helped write it.

He spent his life standing up for those who were too often ignored, mistreated, or left behind. Long before it was popular — long before it was safe — he made it his mission to challenge America to live up to its promise, not just in words, but in action.

He carried that same fight into the national spotlight, including his historic run for President, expanding the national conversation about justice, opportunity, and inclusion in ways that changed American politics forever.

What I will never forget is not only his stature — but his presence.

Even in quiet moments between stops, there was something powerful about him: calm strength, deep faith, and an unwavering sense of purpose.

Those two weeks gave me something rare —
a deeper understanding of the past… and a clearer view of what leadership truly looks like.

I will always be grateful for that experience — for the conversations, the lessons, and for the reminder that progress is never automatic.

Progress is built by people who refuse to give up.

Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson is one of those people.

And I am proud to say I had the honor of driving him across Florida — and the privilege of witnessing up close the kind of courage, humility, and commitment that helps move a nation forward.

Thank you, Reverend Jackson.

And thank you for reminding me — and so many others — of a truth the world still needs to hear:

We are somebody.