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A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power
A Dream Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power
by Abby Phillip is a forthcoming title from Flatiron Books.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published October 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 27, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Dream Deferred is a book about Jesse Jackson, the long-time civil rights leader and presidential candidate. He was the first Black man to vie for the top job, more than a decade after Shirley Chisolm became the first Black woman to run for president. I’m not sure, but I think this is the first in-depth look at Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 campaigns.
The book gives a detailed look at campaign strategy, activism, and the reshaping of Black political influence. This historically grounded, informative and politically focused analysis of the power dynamics in the country during the late 1970s and 1980s. Abby Phillip gives an even-handed look at Jackson and his successes and failures. His rise in the Civil Rights movement, as a disciple of Martin Luther King Jr, and then as he picked up the mantle and helped lead the Black community.
The amount of research that went into this book is incredible. I thought I had a good grasp of events that happened in my lifetime, but that just goes to show you that my very white upbringing did not expose me to much of the Black experience in the United States. Jackson was a force of nature in his prime. I learned so much about the politics of my childhood and how and why Jackson could never be successful in his quest for the presidency. But he paved the way for Barack Obama and Kamala Harris.
This audiobook is read by the author, and Abby Phillip did a great job. That’s not always the case with authors. She’s clearly passionate about the book and gives an even hand to her narration as she did to the prose.
A Dream Deferred is a book about Jesse Jackson, the long-time civil rights leader and presidential candidate. He was the first Black man to vie for the top job, more than a decade after Shirley Chisolm became the first Black woman to run for president. I’m not sure, but I think this is the first in-depth look at Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 campaigns.
The book gives a detailed look at campaign strategy, activism, and the reshaping of Black political influence. This historically grounded, informative and politically focused analysis of the power dynamics in the country during the late 1970s and 1980s. Abby Phillip gives an even-handed look at Jackson and his successes and failures. His rise in the Civil Rights movement, as a disciple of Martin Luther King Jr, and then as he picked up the mantle and helped lead the Black community.
The amount of research that went into this book is incredible. I thought I had a good grasp of events that happened in my lifetime, but that just goes to show you that my very white upbringing did not expose me to much of the Black experience in the United States. Jackson was a force of nature in his prime. I learned so much about the politics of my childhood and how and why Jackson could never be successful in his quest for the presidency. But he paved the way for Barack Obama and Kamala Harris.
This audiobook is read by the author, and Abby Phillip did a great job. That’s not always the case with authors. She’s clearly passionate about the book and gives an even hand to her narration as she did to the prose.
December 10, 2025
I only knew rudimentary details about Jesse's life, so this book was informational. And I really like Abby Phillip. I really enjoy her earnest and deadpan delivery. But the book seemed something of an attack on Jackson’s character and his legacy.
Jackson has always been a hero of mine. His platform for his presidential run in 1984? WPA type programs to provide jobs and repair infrastructure. Reverse Reaganomic tax cuts for the rich. Single payer, universal health care. Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Free tuition for community college. He cared about the middle and underclasses and is an intelligent and inspiring orator. He is the only politician I ever felt strongly enough about to block walk to get out his flyers. Chris Duffy and I went to see him speak at a rally at Camargo park and Chris got to shake his hand! After that speech, I really believed "I am somebody!"
The book made some claims about him during the time he quit divinity college to work with MLK. And one of those claims was though he was not present at the exact time of the assassination, he took blood from the balcony and wiped it on his shirt, then paraded it on television interviews claiming he cradled King's head when he was shot, which caused great resentment among King’s inner circle. There were some references to his affairs over the years, but the only one substantiated was with a former aide that resulted in the birth of a daughter.
Phillip wrote that there were problems with Obama and Jackson competing in Chicago for influence and respect. Jackson considered Obama an outsider and didn't consider him black, and he resented his success in unifying all the people on a grand scale as Jackson always sought to do, and for succeeding in his campaign where Jackson spent years laying the groundwork.
Did the book knock him down a peg in my view? Maybe just a little.
My wife and I have several times discussed my problems with the declining standards of who and what call for a "standing ovation".
Looking at various origins and definitions, the standing ovation originated as a form of tribute paid to returning, conquering general. I could see that. It evolved into an acclamation for performances that surpassed expectations or had a profound emotional impact or for the celebration of a lifetime of achievement. I agree. But there is a social component that implies a relationship with a performer and the audience. In my opinion, this is where the problem occurs.
"Standing ovations, are in part due to the desire to conform to the crowd as well as the desire to show affection for performers or speakers on stage. Since standing ovations are a form of group thinking that, to some degree, suspends moral judgment in the presence of group pressure, the performers on stage have to realize that what they are witnessing is often as much a desire for solidarity among audience members as it is true recognition of their abilities.
If an artist is beloved or highly respected by an audience for years or decades, their presence alone can motivate standing ovations irrespective of the particular performance quality on any given day."
"John Lahr, the theater critic for The New Yorker magazine, sees a complex psychological dynamic at work. ‘I think it's generally an attempt by the audience at self-hypnosis, he said. They think if they go to a show and stand at the end they've had a good time. They're trying to give themselves the experience they thought they should have."
So, the point I'm trying to make, is that for me, there are very few people who deserve a standing ovation. The Pope? Nah. Paul McCartney? Not really, though he was very good. I get a lot of looks because I never join the crowd to participate in undeserved, weekly observed, standing ovations. The only two people that I will stand and ovate for are Jesse Jackson and Ralph Nader, my decades long heroes who I admire for their intellect, their ideals and their advocacy.
Jackson has always been a hero of mine. His platform for his presidential run in 1984? WPA type programs to provide jobs and repair infrastructure. Reverse Reaganomic tax cuts for the rich. Single payer, universal health care. Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Free tuition for community college. He cared about the middle and underclasses and is an intelligent and inspiring orator. He is the only politician I ever felt strongly enough about to block walk to get out his flyers. Chris Duffy and I went to see him speak at a rally at Camargo park and Chris got to shake his hand! After that speech, I really believed "I am somebody!"
The book made some claims about him during the time he quit divinity college to work with MLK. And one of those claims was though he was not present at the exact time of the assassination, he took blood from the balcony and wiped it on his shirt, then paraded it on television interviews claiming he cradled King's head when he was shot, which caused great resentment among King’s inner circle. There were some references to his affairs over the years, but the only one substantiated was with a former aide that resulted in the birth of a daughter.
Phillip wrote that there were problems with Obama and Jackson competing in Chicago for influence and respect. Jackson considered Obama an outsider and didn't consider him black, and he resented his success in unifying all the people on a grand scale as Jackson always sought to do, and for succeeding in his campaign where Jackson spent years laying the groundwork.
Did the book knock him down a peg in my view? Maybe just a little.
My wife and I have several times discussed my problems with the declining standards of who and what call for a "standing ovation".
Looking at various origins and definitions, the standing ovation originated as a form of tribute paid to returning, conquering general. I could see that. It evolved into an acclamation for performances that surpassed expectations or had a profound emotional impact or for the celebration of a lifetime of achievement. I agree. But there is a social component that implies a relationship with a performer and the audience. In my opinion, this is where the problem occurs.
"Standing ovations, are in part due to the desire to conform to the crowd as well as the desire to show affection for performers or speakers on stage. Since standing ovations are a form of group thinking that, to some degree, suspends moral judgment in the presence of group pressure, the performers on stage have to realize that what they are witnessing is often as much a desire for solidarity among audience members as it is true recognition of their abilities.
If an artist is beloved or highly respected by an audience for years or decades, their presence alone can motivate standing ovations irrespective of the particular performance quality on any given day."
"John Lahr, the theater critic for The New Yorker magazine, sees a complex psychological dynamic at work. ‘I think it's generally an attempt by the audience at self-hypnosis, he said. They think if they go to a show and stand at the end they've had a good time. They're trying to give themselves the experience they thought they should have."
So, the point I'm trying to make, is that for me, there are very few people who deserve a standing ovation. The Pope? Nah. Paul McCartney? Not really, though he was very good. I get a lot of looks because I never join the crowd to participate in undeserved, weekly observed, standing ovations. The only two people that I will stand and ovate for are Jesse Jackson and Ralph Nader, my decades long heroes who I admire for their intellect, their ideals and their advocacy.
December 8, 2025
"I am Somebody!
I am Somebody!
I may be poor,
But I am Somebody.
I may be young,
But I am Somebody.
I may be on welfare,
But I am Somebody.
I may be small,
But I am Somebody.
I may have made mistakes,
But I am Somebody.
My clothes are different,
My face is different,
My hair is different,
But I am Somebody.
I am black,
Brown, or white.
I speak a different language
But I must be respected,
Protected,
Never rejected.
I am God’s child!"
-Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. on Sesame Street (1971)
The story of Rev. Jackson is a fascinating one, and so when I heard about this new biography of him I figured I'd give it a shot. I knew a decent amount about the man: civil rights leader during the early days of Operation Breadbasket, the rise of Rainbow PUSH, his contributions to the Harold Washington campaign of '83, his presidential runs in '84 & '88, and his family's broader contribution to the story of modern Black politics, both good and bad.
But this was an interesting deep dive into the man Jackson was, and the details of how all these famous moments in history went down. We see the early days of his involvement in protests in the South, then coming up to Chicago for seminary school and getting recruited in the Chicago Freedom Movement. His involvement with MLK, leading to him spearheading Operation Breadbasket, trying to get good paying jobs for Black folks. The infamous putting himself in front of the cameras wearing a shirt stained with Dr. King's blood in the days after his fateful assassination, which started a decades long accusation that Rev. Jackson would do anything for media attention. His preacher's charisma carrying him across the country, continuing to mobilize Black folks around the nation. His involvement in defeating the Daley machine and getting Chicago's first Black mayor elected, which set the stage for his incredibly ahead of the curve presidential runs in 84 and 88.
I was aware Bernie worked hard as a surrogate for Jackson's 88 campaign, but what I did not know was how profoundly progressive Jackson's two presidential runs were, pushing for universal healthcare, cuts to the military budget, and new taxes on the rich to pay for huge investments in both urban *and* rural America. His support for LGBT+ rights was decades ahead of his time, and his solidarity with Palestinians almost certainly destroyed his already difficult chances of winning, but he never wavered. Ultimately, accusations of antisemitism combined with overwhelming establishment opposition tanked his two runs, especially his '88 run where he came the closest any Black person had ever come to winning the presidential nomination. His vision of a robust rainbow coalition has since become a common talking point on the left, but Jackson does not get enough credit for the work he did and the flack he took for it. Of course, he was also a provocateur who knew how to work the press and make news for himself, but its undeniable the influence he had on modern American politics.
I think this book could have given more analysis, and not just history, of Jackson and his legacy, but it is overall a solid book that is approachable and helps reimagine an important modern civil rights figure.
As the Reverend says, always keep hope alive.
I am Somebody!
I may be poor,
But I am Somebody.
I may be young,
But I am Somebody.
I may be on welfare,
But I am Somebody.
I may be small,
But I am Somebody.
I may have made mistakes,
But I am Somebody.
My clothes are different,
My face is different,
My hair is different,
But I am Somebody.
I am black,
Brown, or white.
I speak a different language
But I must be respected,
Protected,
Never rejected.
I am God’s child!"
-Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. on Sesame Street (1971)
The story of Rev. Jackson is a fascinating one, and so when I heard about this new biography of him I figured I'd give it a shot. I knew a decent amount about the man: civil rights leader during the early days of Operation Breadbasket, the rise of Rainbow PUSH, his contributions to the Harold Washington campaign of '83, his presidential runs in '84 & '88, and his family's broader contribution to the story of modern Black politics, both good and bad.
But this was an interesting deep dive into the man Jackson was, and the details of how all these famous moments in history went down. We see the early days of his involvement in protests in the South, then coming up to Chicago for seminary school and getting recruited in the Chicago Freedom Movement. His involvement with MLK, leading to him spearheading Operation Breadbasket, trying to get good paying jobs for Black folks. The infamous putting himself in front of the cameras wearing a shirt stained with Dr. King's blood in the days after his fateful assassination, which started a decades long accusation that Rev. Jackson would do anything for media attention. His preacher's charisma carrying him across the country, continuing to mobilize Black folks around the nation. His involvement in defeating the Daley machine and getting Chicago's first Black mayor elected, which set the stage for his incredibly ahead of the curve presidential runs in 84 and 88.
I was aware Bernie worked hard as a surrogate for Jackson's 88 campaign, but what I did not know was how profoundly progressive Jackson's two presidential runs were, pushing for universal healthcare, cuts to the military budget, and new taxes on the rich to pay for huge investments in both urban *and* rural America. His support for LGBT+ rights was decades ahead of his time, and his solidarity with Palestinians almost certainly destroyed his already difficult chances of winning, but he never wavered. Ultimately, accusations of antisemitism combined with overwhelming establishment opposition tanked his two runs, especially his '88 run where he came the closest any Black person had ever come to winning the presidential nomination. His vision of a robust rainbow coalition has since become a common talking point on the left, but Jackson does not get enough credit for the work he did and the flack he took for it. Of course, he was also a provocateur who knew how to work the press and make news for himself, but its undeniable the influence he had on modern American politics.
I think this book could have given more analysis, and not just history, of Jackson and his legacy, but it is overall a solid book that is approachable and helps reimagine an important modern civil rights figure.
As the Reverend says, always keep hope alive.
November 27, 2025
This afternoon, I finished reading “A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power”, authored by Abby Phillip, the anchor of CNN’s prime time weeknight news show “NewsNight with Abby Phillip”, a renowned expert on American politics, and one of my personal all-time favorite journalists. In her well-researched and well-written book, Abby discusses the legacy of the Reverend Jesse Jackson and and his lasting influence on American politics and on the ongoing pursuit of and fight for the dream of an America that is truly for all.
In “A Dream Deferred”, Abby details the Reverend Jackson’s life and work, dating from his involvement in the early years of the civil rights movement, through his partnership with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through his evolvement as a civil rights leader in his own right, through his historic 1984 and 1988 campaigns to become President of the United States, and finally his influence on the groundbreaking and inspiring 2008 election of Barack Obama as America’s first Black President, as well as Kamala Harris’ inspiring but tragically unsuccessful 2024 bid to become America first woman President. Throughout each chapter of the book, Abby details the impact of Reverend Jackson’s personal life and his unique personality and relentless drive on his work, his dreams and ambitions, his hopes and dreams, his doubts and fears, and the impacts of it all on his ultimately diminishing health. Abby also discusses the friends and allies, and the adversaries, that the Reverend Jackson gained and lost throughout his journey in the public eye, and she frankly addresses his shortcomings, his failures, and his flaws.
Throughout the entire book, Abby discusses the impact of the Reverend Jackson’s race on his work and on how America reacted to that work and to him personally, in the process illustrating how far America still has to go before his dream…our dream, my and my wife Maria’s dream…of an America that is truly for all is someday finally fully realized for all. In short, as things now stand, that dream very much remains “a dream deferred”.
I very highly recommend “A Dream Deferred” to one and all. To get a copy of “A Dream Deferred”, go to https://us.macmillan.com/books/978125... , or ask for it at your favorite bookstore or local library.
#AbbyPhillip
#ADreamDeferred
#ReverendJesseJackson
In “A Dream Deferred”, Abby details the Reverend Jackson’s life and work, dating from his involvement in the early years of the civil rights movement, through his partnership with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through his evolvement as a civil rights leader in his own right, through his historic 1984 and 1988 campaigns to become President of the United States, and finally his influence on the groundbreaking and inspiring 2008 election of Barack Obama as America’s first Black President, as well as Kamala Harris’ inspiring but tragically unsuccessful 2024 bid to become America first woman President. Throughout each chapter of the book, Abby details the impact of Reverend Jackson’s personal life and his unique personality and relentless drive on his work, his dreams and ambitions, his hopes and dreams, his doubts and fears, and the impacts of it all on his ultimately diminishing health. Abby also discusses the friends and allies, and the adversaries, that the Reverend Jackson gained and lost throughout his journey in the public eye, and she frankly addresses his shortcomings, his failures, and his flaws.
Throughout the entire book, Abby discusses the impact of the Reverend Jackson’s race on his work and on how America reacted to that work and to him personally, in the process illustrating how far America still has to go before his dream…our dream, my and my wife Maria’s dream…of an America that is truly for all is someday finally fully realized for all. In short, as things now stand, that dream very much remains “a dream deferred”.
I very highly recommend “A Dream Deferred” to one and all. To get a copy of “A Dream Deferred”, go to https://us.macmillan.com/books/978125... , or ask for it at your favorite bookstore or local library.
#AbbyPhillip
#ADreamDeferred
#ReverendJesseJackson
December 10, 2025
Having seen Abby Phillip on CNN on many occasions, and having heard her interviewed more recently in anticipation of this book’s release, I was compelled to read it. I’m glad I did. Jesse Jackson’s ascension in the realm of politics is well documented here and sheds light on both his personal complexities and the complexities of politics, including back room wheeling and dealing. Jackson’s goals before, during and after his failed presidential runs were truly remarkable for the times and absolutely paved the way for Barack Obama’s presidency. If more traditional, establishment democrats had supported him at that time, who knows how the trajectory of this country may have been altered? Like anyone, he is not without flaws, and I enjoyed how Phillip balanced the good with the less good. I only wish more information had been given regarding the relationship between Jackson & Obama.
November 10, 2025
Just finished A Dream Deferred by Abby Phillip, and it’s a powerful, eye-opening read. Phillip gives a fresh, honest look at Jesse Jackson—his rise from Greenville, SC, to national politics, and how his presidential runs in the ’80s reshaped Black political power.
The storytelling is sharp and balanced—Phillip shows both Jackson’s brilliance and flaws, making him feel real and human. It also connects beautifully to today’s political landscape, showing how Jackson’s legacy still shapes movements for justice and representation.
It’s detailed but never dull—a must-read for anyone who loves history, politics, or stories about resilience and leadership.
The storytelling is sharp and balanced—Phillip shows both Jackson’s brilliance and flaws, making him feel real and human. It also connects beautifully to today’s political landscape, showing how Jackson’s legacy still shapes movements for justice and representation.
It’s detailed but never dull—a must-read for anyone who loves history, politics, or stories about resilience and leadership.
November 23, 2025
Thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC (which I took too long to listen to; big regret there!)... In a previous professional life, I covered Jesse Jackson. I covered Junior. I attended Rainbow Push luncheons... All these years out of Chicago news, and this book helped put so much of it back into context for me -- context that was formed long before I was old enough to do more than watch political conventions on TV. Jesse Jackson is not well... but I'm glad I took the time to sit with Abby Phillip's book before his passing and to reflect on his impact on history.
December 3, 2025
I have such an immense respect for Abby Phillip--what a talent! I've been following her career as a journalist for a while and eagerly anticipated her book. As someone who generally gravitates toward fiction, I was impressed with Phillip's storytelling and keen historical and political knowledge. Her portrait of this complicated figure illuminated a lot for me, and filled in many gaps in my own admittedly limited knowledge of U.S. history. I'm glad this book exists and encourage everyone to read it.
November 30, 2025
Really good book with lots of insightful details of Jackson’s political rise, and the through lines from it to the progressive movement and to Obama’s rise.
I personally didn’t know much about Jackson, and I think this book summed it up for me very well.
I personally didn’t know much about Jackson, and I think this book summed it up for me very well.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews