The Region - News from Dec. 11, 1985

In a fiery speech to an assembly at Pasadena High School, the Rev. Jesse Jackson urged students to reject drugs and liquor. The former Democratic presidential candidate’s presentation in a packed auditorium sometimes resembled an old-time revival. “What does it matter if the door to opportunity is open, but you’re too drunk to walk through?” Jackson said. “You must choose to be sober and sane and give life a chance.” Jackson reviewed the civil rights fight of the 1960s and compared it to the battle against drugs and liquor in the ‘80s and told the students that like many of the civil rights leaders, they too could win the fight. “No matter what your predicament, you have the right to dream,” he said. “Down with dope and up with hope,” he shouted as the crowd repeated the chant. Jackson received a similar response earlier in the year when he appeared at John Muir High School in Pasadena as part of a nationwide tour of selected high schools.