19-Year-Old Grabs Jesse Jackson’s Shoulder, Accidentally Startles Security Squad

KEY POINTS

•In 2009, Bradley Akubuiro boldly asked Rev. Jesse Jackson at a press conference if he could volunteer, surprising security.
•Jackson assigned Bradley serious work on college affordability, youth violence prevention, and immigration reform at Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
•Before passing in 2026, Jackson mentored Bradley, teaching him to embrace hardship, invest in people, and balance conflict with conversation.

Back in 2009, Bradley Akubuiro wasn’t just your average 19-year-old intern Googling 'how to adult'; he boldly manhandled Rev. Jesse Jackson at a Chicago press conference so hard it nearly triggered a security intervention. Instead of busying himself with coffee runs, Bradley plunged headfirst into racial justice, negotiating college affordability, youth violence, and immigration policy with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Fast-forward nearly two decades and numerous hostage negotiations later, Rev. Jackson, who famously barged into Texaco’s headquarters during their discrimination scandal and schmoozed with dictators like it was a brunch date, passed away in 2026. His mentorship played out like a leadership masterclass on leaning into chaos, investing in improbable protégés, and simultaneously being a corporate agitator and negotiation ninja. Bradley’s book 'Faster. Messier. Tougher.' even features Jesse’s dying endorsement, proving that even the hardest shoulder grabs can lead to lifelong collaborations.