Rev. Jesse Jackson in Ann Arbor to campaign for county board candidate Christina Montague
The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks at the University of Michigan's Trotter Multicultural Center in Ann Arbor in August 2010. He's back in Ann Arbor today for the third time in less than two years.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
"I cannot think of a better person to represent the people of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County," Jackson said in a statement. "I have worked closely with Christina, I admire Christina, and I fully endorse Christina."
Montague is hoping to return to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners after a 12-year hiatus. She's up against fellow Democrat Andy LaBarre, a former staffer for U.S. Rep. John Dingell, in the Aug. 7 primary in Ann Arbor.
Christina Montague
Andy LaBarre
Montague works for the Ann Arbor Public Schools as a school social worker. LaBarre is the vice president of government relations for the Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Regional Chamber.
The rally starts at 5 p.m. at the park at the corner of Ellsworth and Platt. It's expected to feature several speakers and live music by a trio of local musicians: Tim Haldeman, Josef Deas, and Jud Branam. The event is free and open to the public.
In addition to Jackson and Bullock, invited speakers include several local ministers, as well as other local community leaders. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, and sun umbrellas.
Jackson, a well-known civil rights activist and Baptist minister, participated in the Selma-to-Montgomery marches organized by Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders in 1965.
He made a stop in Ann Arbor last year to urge residents to organize and fight back against what he labeled Gov. Rick Snyder’s "draconian cuts" and policies. Jackson also was in Ann Arbor two years ago to give a speech at the University of Michigan's Trotter Multicultural Center.
Bullock, president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Detroit and the Highland Park NAACP, was in the Ann Arbor area earlier this year to lead a group of several hundred protestors into Snyder's neighborhood, marching from a nearby park.
Previous coverage: Democratic candidates for District 7 seat on Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners face off
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
motorcycleminer
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
Yet more ink on this circus side show... yikes ..the only good thing is it points out that she's definitely not the person for the job ..bad choice of backing on her part but good for the better candidate.....Thanks JJ
Itchy
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
Pardon me!!! Why isn't he in Chicago trying to help reduce the killings? I think his priorities are wrong again.
cibachrome
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
I would like to know how much Rev Jackson has charged for this visit. Its no secret that there is a fee for services by his company for this speech, so how much did it cost. I would much rather have Bill Clinton or President Obama make this event. Keep in mind that The Black Collegian named Jackson's son one of the 15 most corrupt politicians in the House. I wonder where he got his training and experience from.
Davidian
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
Jesse Jackson has an opinion? Then that means my opinion is the opposite. He has zero credibility, and he is so out of touch that he might as well be from Mars. Goodbye irrelevancy.
Goofus
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.
School social worker vs. Chamber of Commerce career politican? It's a no brainer...I'm voting for the person who actually has had a real job.
Goofus
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:10 a.m.
trick question.
genetracy
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.
I can see it now. Ms Montague will lose the election and Jesse will say, "Racism reared its' ugly head".
Jack Campbell
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.
She can't even bother to show up to events/debates, now she's getting the shakedown artist Jackson to campaign for her. Easy call, LeBarre all the way.
Jessica 'Decky' Alexander
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 9:59 p.m.
What is most troubling about this 11th hour Hail Mary campaign tactic is that it's a reflection on how Ms. Montague has and will do business as an elected official. Not having campaigned in neighborhoods, attended more than one local community or political event, and subsequently meet & greet those she would like to represent (unlike Andy LaBarre who has been talking, meeting and engaging hundreds of residents weekly for the past year) Ms. Montague opted for the quick fix and the spectacle of an entertainer. In my own brief interactions with Ms. Montague (Michiganders for Obama) she takes the credit for the work, but doesn't do the work. The County Government is integral to the health and wealth of the community and we need someone like Andy LaBarre whose campaign events and platforms were and are about the residents, not a rally led by an out-of-state Reverend.
Simone Lightfoot
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 9:42 p.m.
Christina Montague has a commitment to and record of addressing issues related to equity, fairness and inclusion. She has not only worked hard here at home but across the country, state and neighboring municipalities. The fact is more elected officials should engage in finding solutions across government, municipal, organizational and district lines - there is broad benefit in doing so. Realistically, to do otherwise (limit ones political work, research, network, solutions and communication only to ones district) is irresponsible in this day and age. Christina is willing to address MANY important issues in spite of the mean spirited, race centered backlash that continues to permeate too much of our area. The posts here are proof positive that a mighty work remains. Simone Lightfoot
towncryer
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
This coming from the person who thought the all-black field trip and lunch bunch was "courageous" and "thinking outside of the box". Please.
Itchy
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
The voters of AA need to pay close attention who runs for our school board to insure that there are no hidden agendas, that the representatives will support all AA citizens regardless of color and listen to constructive input and feedback.
Itchy
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
Your comment and claims are mean spirited and offensive. I have never experienced the claims you make in all of my years in AA.
squidlover
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.
Really, Ms.Lightfoot? Accusing the citizens who posted about this article as being mean spirited and causing a race centered backlash is far below the standards of what I would hope would come from somebody who serves on the school board. The majority of those who have posted on here have expressed their displeasure of the involvement of Jesse Jackson due to his own unprofessional and unethical actions (many of which have been race centered). I can certainly accept your support for Ms. Montague, but your comments toward the posters are the type that voters may remember.
braggslaw
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.
"race centered backlash?" Hogwash. Jackson is a crook, he "took" money to give to his mistress and he is a parasite on society. The race card is the first and last argument of those who.... have no argument.
braggslaw
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
Would you want the endorsement of someone who funneled money to his mistress ...?
Arieswoman
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
Well now I know who I will NOT be voting for! Having Jesse Jack___ campaign for you is a bad move!
boo
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
Bad choice to get Jesse Jackson to endorse you. You could have won without him. He hurt your campaign.
Jack Gladney
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.
Very odd to seek an endorsement from the leading race-baiting business shake-down artist/pimp. That'll get you lots of votes. lol
genetracy
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 6:32 p.m.
Hey Ms Montague, why Jesse Jackson? Was Kwame Kilpatrick busy?
David Cahill
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
Sorry, Jackson's campaigning for Montague doesn't work for me - and I supported Jackson when he ran for president.
bedrog
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.
re my deleted comment about support for Jackson despite his reprehensible "hymietown " remark as a candidate ( for which he forgave himself, although others didnt!): "humph"!! Anyway, better late disenchantment than never David . ( that o.k. ,moderator??)
Cindy G.
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
First and foremost. I have been following the MOntague for Commissioner campaign since last year, she has not missed any debates. Stop the LIES and let the race be fair. Your true colors are exposed even hiding behind your computer screens as the race card is continuously being brought up. Maybe 40 yrs ago even 20 I can see it, but now....this no longer a black and white thing this is about the people ALL of the people not just the "select few". Christina is for ALL people and based on her appearances and places she has visited you can tell she is for us and not her political friends. I urge all of you reading this to contact Christina directly because youo NEVER know who is hiding behind the computer screen, posting all of this garbage. You people can keep trying to through smoke screens but in the end the people will decide. looking at the comments on here some of you are "friends of her opposition" and most likely can not even vote in District 7. Well I can, my neighbors can and my family is all over this district and we are all planning to vote for you Christina!. If Christina or someone from her campaign is reading this we will be there today at the park with you Rev Jackson and all other suppoters. As a school social worker in our district many parents in my neighborhood already know the stand up person Commissioner Montague is. We will be at the polls to VOTE MONTAGUE FOR COMMISIONER on August 7. Go Christina!l
Angry Moderate
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
Hi, Christina!
Unusual Suspect
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
If Jesse Jackson is involved, all you have is a black and white thing. That's all he has to contribute.
Pickforddick
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
Really ?
Albert Howard
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
African American politicians need to do their research. Christina Montague should not be associated with this man. I am not pleased that his motorcade is right around the corner from my house. He is not welcome in Ward 3 and I would appreciate it if he would get out of town ASAP. Read book "Shakedown: Exposing The Real Jesse Jackson" by Kenneth R. Timmerman
Middle America
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 8:48 a.m.
I am not Jesse Jackson's biggest fan, but Albert Howard shouldn't throw stones. After all, Albert, haven't you advocated banning the Quran? So much for religious tolerance, huh?
Lifelong A2
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
Shame on Christina Montague for thinking she can "buy" her way to victory with a visit from a "star." Christina was a do-nothing Commissioner when she served the last time, and there's no evidence that she would do any better this time. Rather than bring in outsiders who don't know our community to stump for her, she should spend her time knocking doors and listening to voters.
Ed Jackson
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
I'm always skeptical of outsiders telling locals how to vote in elections the outsiders know nothing about. Does Jesse know that Andy has hit every door in the district multiple times, whereas Montague is nowhere to be found? Does Jesse know that Montague calls herself a conservative in her own lit and advocates funding Detroit programs over programs in the district she hopes to represent? Anyone who has been in the district knows Andy is the true progressive candidate and has done everything over the last near decade serving the community and making himself accessible to constituents. Meanwhile, Montague claims to be a "candidate of the people" but can never be found, hosts her one campaign event at the most expensive restaurant in Ann Arbor, and uses her outside political connections to bring in people who don't know the community but try to tell us how to vote.
Michigan Man
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:09 p.m.
I hoped that Rev. Jacka-- is rebuked in Ann Arbor. He has enough troubles/issues/problems attending to his base in Chicago. The Rev. really needs to be with Triple J (Jesse Jackson Jr.) at the hospital in Rochester, MN attending to family matters.
squidlover
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:08 p.m.
I cannot believe anybody would still take Jackson seriously. His actions as a race-baiting and self-serving grandstander, along with the cover up of his out-of-wedlock love child have made him insignificant in my opinion.
genetracy
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:05 p.m.
I wonder if JJ plans on shaking down any businesses while he is here.
Superior Twp voter
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 4:54 p.m.
The fact that THE master of race baiting endorses Montague means she is out of consideration. Jackson, spread your fertilizer elsewhere.
Cindy G.
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:48 p.m.
hmmmm...Sounds like Dingell's who you are referring to.
leezee
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.
I, too, have a problem with people who take on a role and then don't attend important events connected to that role. Andy will be a refreshing change. He is very committed to the community and would be a positive addition to the county board. He has my vote.
Detourdoggy
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
I will take Andy LaBarre over Christina anytime.....He shows up for debates and she doesn't. Oh...has Jesse ever indorsed a white candidate?
genetracy
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
Dave, Jesse does not even like white democrats.
Dave Bass
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
About as rare as a Dem. supporting a Rep. or visa verse.
Pickforddick
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
I agree with your choice and I do not recall Jesse ever supporting a white person.....why?