Congressman Jackson urges action after Voting Rights rollback during Spartanburg visit

Congressman Jackson, introduced to the council as representing Illinois’ 1st District, addressed the Spartanburg City Council during a special appearance, urging renewed attention to voting rights and community investment.

"The rescinding of the Voting Rights Act, the dismantling of that key critical piece of legislation that made Spartanburg better ..." he said, warning the rollback undermines civic progress and calling for "equal participation, equal rights." He also praised local coalition-building and stressed investment in schools, saying communities need "definite relief and investments in the education, not just in the custodial services." (Congressman Jackson)

The congressman framed the remarks in personal terms, referencing his late father, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and reflecting on the history and future of racial progress in South Carolina. He urged leaders and residents to honor those advances while opposing measures that would curtail voting access.

Mayor Jerome Rice thanked the congressman for visiting and noted the city would host the congressman later that evening as a keynote speaker at an event addressing the Voting Rights Act.

The appearance was part of a larger council agenda that included proclamations, presentations and routine business; no formal council action was taken in response to the congressman’s remarks.