In a candid interview, the Reverend Jesse Jackson offered reflections that span the worlds of music, sports, and politics, sharing personal anecdotes and his perspectives on some of the most influential figures of our time.
Hoops and Harmony with Marvin Gaye
Rev. Jackson recounted a spirited challenge on the basketball court involving the legendary late musician, Marvin Gaye. The encounter was tied to a performance request from Gaye.
“We were back there playing on our court. Marvin asked me to do a lecture that year and I said, ‘I did it last year. I don’t want to do it this year…'” Jackson explained. “I said to Marvin, ‘I’ll tell you what. Here’s the deal: If you beat me 2 out of 3 times, I will perform. If you beat me 2 out of 3 times, I will not perform…’ Well he performed! I beat him the first two games. It was about 90 to 100 degrees outside but we had big fun out there.”
Saluting the Dignity of LeBron James
Turning to the world of professional basketball, Rev. Jackson expressed profound respect for LeBron James, not only for his athletic longevity but also for his comportment and contributions off the court.
“Well first, he’s kept his body in shape. So many guys cannot take or withstand the long haul. He’s an amazing guy,” Jackson noted.
He further praised James’s maturity and presentation, stating, “Didn’t go to college but he sounds like a bonafide man of peace with a Master’s degree. He speaks with authority; he’s a family man with a stable family, speaks with articulation and he carries himself in a way that makes you proud.”
Jackson drew a sharp distinction between celebration and “clowning” in sports, holding up James as an example of dignity. “I think that we should never compromise dignity for the moment. When they touch down they start gyrating; I don’t think none of that is a good thing. We do our best and when you pass or drop the ball over your shoulder, act like you’re used to it or that you’ve done it before… LeBron James to me is a solid gentleman.”
Perspective on Kanye West
When asked about Kanye West, Rev. Jackson approached the subject with appreciation for the artist, while maintaining political distance.
“I understand him in politics and I appreciate him as an artist,” Jackson stated, acknowledging the influence of West’s late mother. “His mother [Donda West] was a great woman; she was a teacher and we all loved her and he loves his mother too. She died at an early age and some of that has impacted him no doubt.”
Jackson defended West’s right to self-expression, along with others in the political sphere, saying, “He and Kanye have a right to express themselves and say the way he feels. I don’t respond to his views as a person but, I like him as a person and I don’t need to degrade him because of my political views.” He concluded by offering a clear political position: “I’d rather lose on the right side than win on the wrong side and support with [Donald] Trump. That’s my personal opinion.”
The Unanswerable GOAT Question
Finally, addressing the perennial debate of basketball’s greatest of all time (GOAT) between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Jackson initially declared his preference: “C’mon man. Michael Jordan is the best.” He admitted a “little bias” due to watching Jordan play extensively and because he is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, like Jordan.
However, Jackson ultimately deferred to the wisdom of Bill Russell on the futility of cross-era comparisons.
“Bill Russell said, ‘How can you compare someone and they haven’t even played against each other?’ You’re comparing how much they won. How can you compare [Wilt] Chamberlain to Jabbar? They played against each other. You have to compare the likes. So Michael was the best player in his day. LeBron is the best in his day,” Jackson concluded. He stressed that both athletes are equally admirable for their off-court work, citing James’s efforts in building schools in Akron, Ohio, as an example of impact that “doesn’t get any better than that.”
