Rev. Jesse Jackson was First Presidential Candidate to visit Osakis

⭐ Did you know Rev. Jesse Jackson was the first presidential candidate to visit Osakis, MN in 1988? ⭐

On Thursday, January 7, 1988, in a week that was noted for remarkably cold temps, Jesse Jackson made local history in Douglas (and Todd) Counties as the first presidential candidate to visit and speak in Osakis, MN.

Local businesses sponsored a pancake breakfast at the Osakis Community Center (which could comfortably fit 250-300 people) before the talk, hosted by the city’s bankers, Lions Club, and Senior Citizens organizations.

There were more than 200+ attendees, including many Osakis students, who could not fit inside the at-capacity Community Center, so Rev. Jackson added an impromptu additional visit at the Osakis School afterwards.

Watch video of the occasion at this YouTube link by clicking here.