Farrakhan calls on community to stand with the Jacksons

By Ashahed M. Muhammad -Asst. Editor- | Last updated: Jul 2, 2013 - 3:07:42 PM

UPDATE July 2, 2013: U.S. District Judge Amy Berman in Washington, D.C. set Aug. 14 as the new sentencing date for Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife Sandi. Judge Berman noted the rescheduling was done to "accommodate the court" and not at the request of attorney or prosecutors in the case.

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., and Minister Farrakhan speak before services at Rainbow PUSH headquarters June 29.

CHICAGO (FinalCall.com) - With a full contingent of Nation of Islam members and staff present, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan called on the community to support the family of Rev. Jesse Jackson just days before the scheduled federal sentencing of his son, former congressional representative Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife, former Chicago alderman Sandi Jackson.

“We in the Nation of Islam stand with Reverend Jackson and his family and Jesse Junior and Sandi in this hour,” said Min. Farrakhan June 29 during the weekly service at Rainbow PUSH’s historic headquarters on Chicago’s south side.

The two prominent Black Chicago families have enjoyed a long relationship spanning decades. Minister Farrakhan recalled how when he was going through significant health challenges, the Rainbow PUSH family came together to show support and prayed for him, his family and for the community of the Nation of Islam to be strengthened.

Several months ago, Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and making false statements in connection with the misuse of more than $750,000 from his campaign fund. His wife pleaded guilty to filing improper tax returns related to what federal prosecutors characterized as a scheme to cover up the misappropriation of the funds.

It has been recommended by prosecutors that the former congressional representative receive 4-years in prison, and his wife, 18-months. The Jacksons have two school-aged children, ages 9 and 13, so there is hope the sentences may be staggered so they will not be without both parents for a long period of time.

“None of us are holy. Not one. None of us come through this life without making a mistake or committing a sin,” said Min. Farrakhan. “So I say to my dear brother, friend, companion in struggle, Rev. Jackson and his wonderful family, this is an hour where you have done so much for so many, and your family has sacrificed for all these years for us and for others, this is a time for us to come together,” he added.

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan speaks at Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Chicago June 29.

Citing portions of the Holy Qur’an, the book of scripture for Muslims, as well as portions of the Bible, the Minister told those in attendance that trials purify, and during the most difficult times in life, God should be thanked and praised because through those trials and that purification, he is preparing one for greater service.

“Let’s stand with Rev. Jackson, let’s stand with Sandi and stand with Jesse Junior. God is not finished with any of us yet,” Min. Farrakhan said.

Rev. Jackson thanked Min. Farrakhan and the entire community for their prayers and letters of support. He said a year ago, his son was “in a very dark place” and suicidal, but now, even with a prison sentence looming, his 48-year-old son is regaining his strength and mental balance.

“When you bleed, you get a band-aid, when you break your leg, you get a splint, but when you have these mental problems, you can’t see it, but it is what it is,” said Rev. Jackson adding that he is fasting until July 3, the day when federal sentences are handed down.

“When it’s all said and done, we let God have his way. We know God will see us through,” said Rev. Jackson.

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