Jackson Fathers Baby Out of
Wedlock
The Associated
Press
Jan 19 2001 5:50AM
CHICAGO (AP) - The Rev.
Jesse Jackson's revelation that he had an extramarital affair and a
child out of wedlock may have him doing something out of character -
retreating from the spotlight.
But as he and members of his Rainbow-PUSH Coalition plotted their
next move, many residents in the city that is home base for his
civil rights work stood behind him.
``It's his business. We're only human,'' said Jamese Duckett, a
26-year-old Chicagoan who is a driver for the county.
``Everybody's allowed to make mistakes,'' she added. ``At least
he 'fessed up and took responsibility.''
Others weren't as supportive.
``This is a shock for a reverend to do something like this,''
Latanya Moore, 41, told the Chicago Tribune. ``How could he counsel
someone else on their extramarital affair if he's having one
himself?''
A steady stream of supporters - including Jackson's son, Rep.
Jesse Jackson Jr. - visited with him at his Chicago home Thursday.
The elder Jackson made no appearances and sent word that he was
standing by a statement rushed out early that morning to beat
reports in tabloid newspapers about the affair.
``I fully accept responsibility and I am truly sorry for my
actions,'' he said in the statement. Jackson said he would
temporarily step aside from public life to spend time with his
family.
Earl Stanford of Palmdale, Calif., confirmed to The Associated
Press on Thursday night that his sister, Karin Stanford, was the
mother of Jackson's child but declined to discuss the matter.
Karin Stanford, the 39-year-old former head of Rainbow-PUSH's
Washington bureau, taught political science and African-American
studies at the University of Georgia and wrote a book about Jackson,
``Beyond the Boundaries: Reverend Jesse Jackson and International
Affairs.''
Cirilo McSween, a Rainbow/PUSH board member who met with Jackson
on Thursday, said the board may discuss temporarily replacing
Jackson.
While the news may have a short-term impact on Jackson's
influence - for example, in protesting alleged voting irregularities
in Florida and in Jackson's opposition to attorney general-designate
John Ashcroft - some said he would have no problem recovering.
``He has come back before from conflicts of one kind or
another,'' said Ron Walters, a political science professor at the
University of Maryland.
In 1998, Jackson, once a Democratic presidential candidate
himself, was a steadfast presence at Bill Clinton's side as the
president struggled with the disclosure of his affair with Monica
Lewinsky and the impeachment proceedings that followed. Some were
struck at how vehemently Jackson defended Clinton.
``The nation must take the test: If there are any among us who
have not known the trials and tribulations and temptations, then
throw a rock,'' Jackson said in August 1998. ``At some point we have
to forgive, redeem and move on.''
The child is reportedly 20 months old, meaning she could have
been conceived as early as July 1998 - a month before his visit with
the president.
``I think God should judge him, not me,'' said Minnie Stroud, 77,
of Chicago. She was facing eviction last year from her home of 30
years until Jackson stepped in.
``He helped me and I can only judge him by what he did for me and
what I saw him do over the years.''
On the Net:
Rainbow-PUSH coalition: http://www.rainbowpush.org
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s site: http://www.jessejacksonjr.org
Copyright © 2001 The
Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report
may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed
without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All
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