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A Dream Deferred

Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power

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A Dream Deferred

By: Abby Phillip
Narrated by: Abby Phillip
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From CNN’s Abby Phillip, a triumphant new look at Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaigns of the 1980s and how they changed Black political power. This program is read by the author.

“A joyful, rich, must-read biography of a politician whose flaws and gifts were in constant, intense competition.” —Jake Tapper

Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader, activist, raconteur, and political candidate, finally gets an audiobook worthy of his stature courtesy of CNN anchor Abby Phillip.

Focusing on his presidential runs in 1984 and, especially, 1988, Phillip highlights how Jackson built an unlikely coalition that showed how Black political power could be consolidated. His experience working under Martin Luther King; his organizing the SLCC’s Operation Breadbasket in Chicago and beyond; and his roots in the deep South combined into two astonishingly impactful presidential campaigns. Appealing to the working people of urban enclaves like that of Chicago, young people on college campuses, and Black people across the South, he created the modern Democratic coalition—one that has been used by all major Democrats seeking national success from Obama to Biden to Harris.

With her expert reporting, natural storytelling skills, and a story so full of humanity, politics, and hope, Abby Phillip has written a rousing popular history that sheds new light on an American icon.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

Activism & Social Justice Biographies & Memoirs Civil Rights & Liberties Freedom & Security Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Social Sciences Social justice Inspiring Democrat Civil rights Martin Luther King

Critic reviews

A Dream Deferred by Abby Phillip is a must read. As a student and mentee of Rev. Jesse Jackson since I was 12 years old, I can say this book explores his historic leadership that helped reshape American politics and the post–Dr. King civil rights movement in the late 20th century. Abby does it honestly exploring Rev. Jackson’s strengths and weaknesses, clearly saying why he is a historic leader that must be studied.” —Rev. Al Sharpton, American civil rights activist, and founder of the National Action Network.

“One of the most compelling and brilliant journalists of her generation, Abby Phillip has written a rich, complex, page-turning portrait of a man who was more influential in American politics than he's often given credit for. A Dream Deferred is a joyful, rich, must-read biography of a politician whose flaws and gifts were in constant, intense competition.”Jake Tapper, bestselling author of Original Sin and CNN host

“Reverend Jackson's early-eighties presidential campaigns were a transcendent turning point for Black political power—he boldly showed that a broad coalition of folks from different social classes and diverse points of views could be built with integrity, charisma, energy, intelligence, and an openness to all kinds of people. In A Dream Deferred, Abby Phillip brings those aspects of his healing and ultimately heartbreaking campaigns to glorious life in a book that is engrossing, revelatory and urgent in understanding how we got here.” — Bakari Sellers, New York Times bestselling author of The Moment

“Jesse Jackson stood in the midst of history and made some too. This book is an important reflection on the evolution of black political power and Jesse Jackson’s role in it. This is a story that needs to be told.”—Andrew Young, civil rights leader and former U.S. ambassador to the U.N.

“In this incisive account of the trailblazing and often controversial civil rights leader and presidential candidate, CNN anchor Phillip brings a seasoned reporter’s sharp research and keen insight to the inner workings and significant accomplishments of this complicated but compelling figure. An admiring yet unflinching portrait convincingly weighing Jackson’s contributions against his contradictions.”—Kirkus Reviews

Balanced Account • Factual Perspective • Thoughtful Nuance • Thorough Research • Unbiased Accuracy • Objective Depiction

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This was a very good book and exposed on the Rev. Jesse Jackson
he was a person who tried to uplift the black people in this country.

how well it was researched and made very understandable.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. it connected many of the dots within Black history post civil rights. Excellent work by Abby Phillip. A story about Jesse that needed to be told.

A must read for those interested in Black history.

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I read this is the week of his passing so it took on additional resonance. But read at anytime this book offers a thoughtful nuanced account of a legendary leader and his legacy. Rest in Power Rev Jackson

Insightful recognition of an icon

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To experience Jesse Jackson through the lens of Abby Phillip is one amazing view that we all are blessed to live at a time as this. I’m appreciative of this offering and from such a astute individual who many highly respect as well as adore. The perspective Abby brings here is a necessary voice that will help further shape the diverse colorization of America. As equanimity is a continuos fight for many here, this book adds the tools that contribute to winning.
Great Work Abby!! We Love You!!
p.s hi KC!

Brilliant

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I appreciate how objective and transparent Abby wrote about someone as complex as Rev. Jackson. Highly recommend for millennials

An important book for an important figure

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