Eugene Springfield NAACP members mourn the loss of American civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson

Courtesy KLCC

Members of the Eugene Springfield NAACP are mourning the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights activist and politician who died Tuesday at age 84.

Vice President April Broadnax said she remembers watching Jackson on TV during her childhood. She said those times spent watching him are a part of what motivated her to pursue a career in activism.

“He is one of the main reasons why I wanted to eventually work with the NAACP, even as a kid. I was just like, that is the place I need to be at. I am absolutely heartbroken that he is gone,” said Broadnax.