Impromptu Tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson

In Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, a previously scheduled Black History Month Sankofa Flag raising at the Fort Erie Town Hall was turned into a powerful and historical tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. on February 27th, 2026, during the time of his memorial service in Chicago.

Organized by Dewitt Lee III, President of Caretakers of our Culture, the founding organization of the Black History Month Sankofa Flag, designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Celebration in the USA and the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada. Also, in attendance at the event with Mr. Lee and Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop, was former Emancipation Month Queen and author Stacy “Destiny” Savary, Mr. Fred Louws, Principal of the Greater Fort Erie Secondary School and Mr. Mark Roe, Curator, Upper Canada International Education Museum.

On February 27th, 2026, members from the Canadian community gathered at Fort Erie Town Hall to raise the Black History Month Sankofa Flag. Moments before the event, at the request of the organizer, Dewitt Lee III and an executive decision by the Mayor, they agreed to honor the late Rev Jesse Jackson Sr. by approving the lowering of the BHM Sankofa Flag to half-mast for the day.

This act to honor Rev Jesse Jackson Sr. speaks volumes to the global impact that he has had, and specifically, a great appreciation from the Canadian community, says Dewitt Lee III. He continued by saying, “This is a way for us to say thank you on behalf of the Canadian families who were united, after Rev Jesse Jackson, negotiated with Saddam Hussein the release of several Western hostages, which included Canadians.

To have the opportunity to pay homage to a global ambassador for peace who built his influence through his intelligence and left a legacy of love that has inspired generations globally is a great honor we all share today.

To represent Ontario, Canada, today, during Black History Month, and to be included in the list of places in the USA paying reverence to Rev. Jackson by lowering their flags, is truly emotional and a significant spiritual moment of connection to our ancestors, brothers and sisters in the USA, and we just give honor to God for granting us this opportunity.”