As Namibia joins the rest of the world in mourning renowned American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, who played a role in the country's journey to independence, citizens are being urged not only to grieve, but to reflect on his legacy and teachings.

These sentiments were shared by Professor Joseph Diescho during a Namibian memorial held in honour of Jackson in Windhoek. 

Professor Diescho who met Jackson on several occasions, described him as an extraordinary human being. 

He noted that freedom in Namibia would have been delayed if it were not for people like the civil right activist.

Furthermore, the academic adds, the global human rights movement will be non-existent without him. 

Therefore, Professor Diescho highlighted that Namibians need to do something better than the late Jackson, leave the world in a better place.

“Here we have peace and stability that we take for granted. At this very moment, Jesse would say to us ‘build on what you have, work with what you know’. We have got to do something like Jesse, live this world in a better place than we found it. We cannot leave it broken as we found it, we must heal our land and we can only do that when we begin to heal ourselves by turning to one another as each others keepers.”

In Namibia, late Jackson made a huge impact on the country's quest for freedom and independence. 

He campaigned against apartheid and colonialism and attended the festivities to celebrate the country's independence in 1990. 

“We are standing on the shoulders of giants, men and women who had big dreams and who were chasing after justice. Namibia, fellow Namibians, we take a lot for granted. We have so much to be grateful for. When we quarrel, when we take issue with one another, we need to go back to that vision of one Namibia, one nation. I heard Reverend Jackson say this many, many times, "One Namibia, one nation." So today, as we remember him, we should not mourn but reflect on his legacy, and teachings- what he said to us, about us, through us, and what he saw in us,” Professor Diescho added.

Reverend Jackson, who died on the 17th of this month, is known as one of the significant leaders of the 20th century American civil rights movement.

He helped pave the way for the progressive policies of politicians like President Barack Obama.

He was at the side of Martin Luther King when he was assassinated and went on to become one of the most successful black politicians of his generation. 

As members of the Baptist community, it was deemed fitting to host the memorial titled "African-American Baptists and Their Fight for Racial Justice and Equality, under the theme "Taking the Struggle Further.”

The Activism of Reverend Jesse Jackson Post Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In and Beyond America was held at the Monte Christo Baptist Church in Windhoek.

Former President Nangolo Mbumba also attended the memorial service at the Okuryangava based church.