Jackson spoke exclusively with ABC11 in his first television interview in North Carolina since the death of his father, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson Sr.
"The norms are being broken. Faith and support in the Constitution is being shattered," Jackson said. "The administration threatened to end a civilization yesterday by 8 pm. Something we've never heard from a U.S. president."
He also emphasized the importance of voter engagement, noting that roughly 800,000 African Americans in the state did not vote in the last election.
"Regardless of our race, sex, class... these decisions now largely fall on us," he said.
The event, hosted by the North Carolina Black Alliance, brought together members of historically Black fraternities and sororities, known as the Divine Nine. Organizers said there were more than 500 attendees, marking the largest turnout they've seen in 11 years.
"Usually we don't see this type of turnout in a non-presidential election year," said Marcus Bass with the NC Black Alliance. "For this many people to show out for a midterm cycle speaks to how important what's happening in this building is."
A legislative panel featuring Democratic lawmakers focused on what they described as pressing issues for communities of color.
"Education, access to education, voting rights. The youth panel we have right now they're talking about removal of polling places on campuses across the state," said Patrick Curry of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Governor Josh Stein also addressed the crowd, celebrating Divine Nine leaders for their service and unity across the state.
"Even though we all wear different colors, today we are united. We understand we are stronger together," said Durham County Superior Court Judge Shamieka Rhinehart.
The event also included a major honor for Jackson's father. Jesse Jackson Sr. was posthumously awarded North Carolina's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, with his son accepting on his behalf.
"He took a people who did not believe in themselves and told them they were somebody," Jackson said.
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