The LuLac Edition #5, 577, February 17th, 2026

JESSIE JACKSON GONE @ 84

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at the age of 84, was known not just as a tireless advocate for the Civil Rights Movement but as one of its most dynamic orators. He spoke tirelessly for the poor and marginalized on issues from voting rights to housing. Jackson also gave numerous speeches as the leader of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and as a presidential candidate in the 1980s. Later, he did the same for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Here are some notable and defining words from Jackson.

‘I Am — Somebody’

Though not written by Jackson, this poem became synonymous with him. He turned a verse into a rallying cry at rallies in the 1960s and even on a 1972 episode of “Sesame Street.” The poem goes:

“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.”

Diploma in one hand, voter registration in the other

With his PUSH Excel education initiative, Jackson gave a speech in Chicago in the 1970s on equity in education and voting rights.

“Senior high school graduation must be seen as a passage of rites into adulthood. On that graduation day or night, we must put a diploma in one hand symbolizing knowledge and wisdom, and put a voter registration card in that other hand symbolizing power and responsibility.”

Here’s what Jackson had to say at that 1984 cconvention. (AP, LuLac) 

 

SAVE ACT SCREWS THE VOTER

The SAVE Act is a proposed federal law aimed at ensuring that only U.S. citizens can register and vote in federal elections. Introduced as H.R. 22 in the 119th Congress, the bill requires documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote. The act also mandates photo ID requirements for voting and aims to remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls. The bill has faced significant opposition, with Democrats and some experts warning it could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. It remains stalled in the Senate as of early February 2026, with Senate leaders calling it "dead on arrival" despite House Republican support.

Who has the wherewith all and time to spend $165.00 to get a birth certificate and other forms of ID? You have to show two forms of ID proof. It smacks of the movie “The Great Escape”. Where are your papers sir?” More on that Thursday. 

 

SHUBILLA 

IN 

FOR 

DEMOCRATIC 

STATE 

COMMITTEE

      Thom Shubilla who resigned as Luzerne County Democratic Chair wants to get back in the fray. Apparently other Democrats are not happy with the new left leaning leader ship of the party and the influence of Action Together.

 

SPEAKING OF ACTION TOGETHER

HERE’S WALTER

 

Walter Griffith in retirement can be more of a  force than when he was in office. Walter recently released info on an organization active in Luzerne Democratic politics. The man has time on his hands and digs deep.