Santita Jackson | |
|---|---|
 Jackson performing in July 2024 | |
| Born | (1963-07-17)July 17, 1963 (age 61) |
| Education | Harvard University |
| Parent(s) | Jesse Jackson Jacqueline Jackson |
| Relatives | Jesse Jr. (brother) Jonathan (brother) |
Santita Jackson (born July 17, 1963) is an American singer and political commentator fromChicago, Illinois. As a singer, Jackson toured withRoberta Flack and performed the National Anthem at PresidentBill Clinton's second inauguration. She has appeared on theFox News Channel and is the host of a television show onThe Word Network.[1] Santita attended high school withMichelle Obama and served as Obama's maid of honor at her 1992 wedding toBarack Obama.
Jackson was born inGreensboro, North Carolina, in 1963.[2] She is the oldest daughter ofJacqueline Lavinia Brown Jackson and civil rights leader Rev.Jesse Jackson. Jackson was raised in Chicago along with her siblingsJesse Jr.,Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline.[3]
Jackson attended John J. Pershing Elementary School andWhitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago, where she was aNational Merit Scholar. While interviewing for admission toHarvard University, Jackson was criticized by two alumni for her father's political views. Though ultimately accepted to Harvard, she said of the school, "I didn't feel it was the proper environment after that interview."[4] Jackson subsequently attendedHoward University on a full merit scholarship. While at Howard University, Jackson became a member ofDelta Sigma Theta sorority. Following her time at Howard, Jackson worked as an aide to Illinois congressmanGus Savage.[4][5]
Shortly after college, Jackson moved to New York to pursue a career in music.[5] She spent over five years touring as a backup singer forRoberta Flack, and later performed with theOpera Ebony company.[6]
In 1996, Jackson was asked by the family of Secretary of CommerceRon Brown to perform at his funeral alongsideWynton Marsalis and the Howard University Chorale.[7] The following year, Jackson performed the National Anthem at Bill Clinton's second presidential inauguration.[8]
In 2009, Jackson released her first recording project,Put Your Arms Around the World, a collaboration with songwriterJanice Kapp Perry, vocalistChris Willis, and Utah SenatorOrrin Hatch.[9]
In April 2012, Jackson began working as a political commentator on the Fox News Channel.[1] She also hosts her own television show on The Word Network.[10] Earlier, Jackson produced her father's show "Upfront with Jesse Jackson" on The Word Network.[1]
Jackson is the writer, co-host, and executive producer of the nationally syndicated radio show "Keep Hope Alive with Rev. Jesse Jackson."[1] She previously hostedThe Santita Jackson Show on Chicago'sWVON 1690 AM.[11]
Jackson is a founding contributor atThe Grio, anMSNBC website dedicated to African American news and opinion.[1][12]
santita jackson.
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