Initial Thoughts On Rev. Jesse Jackson From the 'Loyal Opposition'.

Obviously, his track record is open to renewed debate

Ingratitude is a bad look, even in the face of legitimate philosophical differences. Where we differ is inconsequential compared to the sheer weight of his legacy.

Obviously, his track record is open to renewed debate.

I'm here to offer an 'original salute' or brotherly tribute to a giant belonging to the major opposite wing of Black America's united front.

I grew up with him as the leading advocate for entry into what suspicious nationalists call, 'the White Man's world'. His oratory moved me despite my alignment with nationalists on key issues.

Please reject the false choice between integrationism and Black nationalism. It's not an 'either/or' proposition. It's a 'both/and' one. You don't have to reject one to recognize the other.

Back to the matter at hand.

Rev. Jackson achieved escape velocity from a background that traps far too many of his generation.

Mine too. And ones behind us.

He overcame challenges of growing up in a single parent family. Adoption. Jim Crow. I have to acknowledge his undeniable trajectory.

I voted for him during one of his presidential campaigns despite being a young Black nationalist wary of the system. His campaigns brought in millions of new voters and brought him to the Democratic Party table.

His work on the world stage speaks for itself.

His one-man diplomacy deeply impressed me since he, like Muhammad Ali, leveraged global stature to free captive Americans. Several service members were liberated by Jackson, starting with a US Naval aviator shot down after an airstrike over Syria.

Jesse Jackson secures release of Lt. Robert Goodman from Syria

Even President Ronald Reagan praised this 1984 mission, in spite of partisan friction.

In 1999, three US soldiers were released thanks to the civil rights leader's intervention in Yugoslavia.

Keeping doors to opportunity open where they're historically closed is something I support

'He did it for us': US soldier recalls Jesse Jackson's efforts to free him and two other POWs

These aren't inconsequential accomplishments. They are worthy of the highest honor this nation can grant a civilian.

Back to where we differ.

I'm deeply skeptical of contemporary intersectionality that absorbs us into a blob of political interest groups molded by pale progressives. The same holds true for its 20th century precursor, the 'Rainbow Coalition' concept he added to the name of his People United To Save Humanity or PUSH organization. I always liked that acronym.

I'm unconvinced that the left sees our community as nothing more than a front to advance its agenda.

On this the Reverend and I differ. So what! Critics with far greater rank have made the same point for decades.

We did agree on holding crony capitalists accountable for avoiding Black vendors while raking in our consumer dollars. Unsurprisingly, this tactic is opposed across the political spectrum, criticized by the right wing and dissident Black nationalists.

This tactic is needed now more than ever since closure of federal-and private sector-programs delivering greater access into upper level positions.

Full disclosure: I feel these programs have often become clubs for 'bougie' or elitist community members. That said, imposing zero initiatives is a direct hit on our middle class, 'bougie' and otherwise.

Keeping doors to opportunity open where they're historically closed is something I support. We can hash out details later.

These are my initial thoughts on Rev. Jesse Jackson. Shared from my position as part of the 'loyal opposition' with a different approach to the community and National problems.

May God be pleased with him.

Nadra Enzi aka Cap Black does 'Borrow A Brother' volunteer safety escorts for female friends and worthy causes in New Orleans.