Jesse Jackson inspires children with rousing poem on Sesame Street in resurfaced clip

18 Feb 2026 • 1:19 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

This is the moment that Jesse Jackson led children in a chant of his iconic “I Am Somebody” poem during an appearance on Sesame Street.

On Tuesday (17 February), the family of the longtime civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate announced that he had died at the age of 84.

A resurfaced clip from a 1972 episode shows a young Jackson chanting the words with young audience members on the PBS show. “I am somebody! I may be poor. But I am somebody. I may be young, but I am somebody,” he said, with the youngsters mirroring his call.

A protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson became well known for his engaging and rousing speeches that championed racial equality.

View Original Article
Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved