Jesse Jackson to visit Sheffield

The inspirational civil rights leader worked alongside Martin Luther King and was present when Dr King was assassinated in Memphis in 1968. He was also the first ever black US presidential candidate.

Sheffield is one of only nine cities in Britain to be included in his Equanomics Tour - a campaign to highlight the economic position of minority communities, particularly black people.

Rev Jackson, who now heads the Rainbow Push Coalition in the US, has campaigned throughout his life against racism and inequality.

The Baptist minister will deliver a free public address in Sheffield Cathedral at 3pm on Sunday, which is expected to attract hundreds of listeners, following a walkabout in the Peace Gardens.

He will also meet city dignitaries including the Lord Mayor Coun Arthur Dunworth, council leader Coun Jan Wilson, and council chief executive Sir Bob Kerslake.

Coun Wilson said: "Rev Jackson is a highly respected figure in global politics and we are honoured that Sheffield is one of the cities included on his UK tour.

"He is an inspiration to many and I am sure young and old will look forward to hearing him speak on such important issues as regeneration, economic growth and equality."

Sheffield Council is hosting the event in partnership with the community and voluntary sector who have been instrumental in securing Sheffield's place on the tour.

City entrepreneur Dave Campbell is to speak alongside the legendary reverend at the cathedral.

He will talk about his experiences of growing up in Sheffield and his subsequent business success, and said Rev Jackson's visit was "great news" for Sheffield.

"It signifies the economic importance of the black and minority populations here in the city," he said.

"Being invited to speak alongside Rev Jackson is a huge honour and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a cultural icon.

"I am delighted he has chosen to visit Sheffield, as it will highlight the important contribution black and minority communities make to the economic and social success of the city."

Rev Jackson's seven-day tour will visit London, Bristol, Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Bradford as well as Sheffield.

The tour also commemorates the abolition of slavery, which took place 200 years ago.