After Jesse Jackson's death, Robeson County family shares unforgettable 1984 visit: 'A good man'
PEMBROKE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Few people in Robeson County today can say they've personally met civil rights legend Jesse Jackson, but Nancy Williamson,73, remembers her encounter like it was yesterday. She's kept an entire photo album dedicated to that moment in history.
"That's his handkerchief that he left us," Williamson said.
Very kind man. He proved in his actions that he cared for people.- Nancy Williamson on Jesse Jackson
It was May of 1984. Jackson was in North Carolina campaigning for his unsuccessful but historic presidential run. Williamson's late husband, Ronnie, was an activist for the Lumbee Tribe. He received an unexpected call that Jackson would be staying at their house.
"He got the children from school. He and (daughter) Rhonda cleaned up the front room and the rest of the house. He and the boys were out in the yard getting everything ready," she recalled.
Jackson was supposed to arrive at 11 that night, but a campaign event ran late, which put him three hours behind schedule. He arrived at their Pembroke home at 2 a.m. to residents and journalists who were all eager to witness and document the moment.
"Very kind man. He proved in his actions that he cared for people," Williamson said.
She said Jackson slept on Rhonda's twin bed. His right-hand man, Ben Chavis, slept on the couch, and 27 Secret Service agents were outside all night. The next morning, she woke up to make him a good old country breakfast. Rhonda Williamson, who is now 54, was 12 at the time.
"Fresh eggs that she picked out of the chicken coop that morning, fresh sausage of hogs we raised and killed, biscuits, a cold glass of iced tea, and grits," Rhonda Williamson recalled.
Jackson sat down at the table and prepared to eat.
"He asked me to say the grace and pray over the food. When I got through saying grace, I looked up, and there were tears coming down his face. He made the statement that you remind me of my mama," she said.
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Nancy Williamson created a photo album shortly after Jackson left her home. She showed ABC11 the campaign fliers, pictures, and even an article from the Fayetteville Observer documenting the family experience.
As the nation prepares to lay a civil rights icon to rest, the Williamson family said these memories are ones they'll hold close to their hearts forever.
"Oh my goodness. Another good man is gone," Nancy Williamson said. "Jesse Jackson was a good man."
