Jesse Jackson's activism and civil rights efforts were largely influenced by his familial struggles during his upbringing. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood with a father who was often absent and a mother who worked multiple jobs, he became acutely aware of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. These experiences cultivated a deep sense of injustice and motivated him to pursue social change. Witnessing firsthand the impact of poverty and discrimination instilled a passionate commitment to fight for equality and civil rights, ultimately leading him to become a prominent leader in the civil rights movement.