As a student in North Carolina A&T, Jackson gradually became involved with the civil rights movement. In 1960, he was arrested with seven other students after a silent demonstration in a whites-only public library, which led to the desegregation of the library.

His success in the 1984 and 1988 Democratic primaries ushered in a new era in Democratic Party politics.

Deracializing or racializing campaigns -- The DuBois-Washington debates in Congressional politics since 1928 -- Retaining white power with black mayors -- Defying all odds: African Americans winning statewide elections -- The political pinnacle: Barack ...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - August 27, 2008. U.S. Senator Barack Obama becomes the first African-American to be nominated for president of the United States at the Democratic National Convention. Obama won the election that year defeating Republican John McCain.