Rev. Jesse Jackson Hasn’t Visited Son In Prison

The Rev. Jesse Jackson says he has not visited since his son reported to federal prison late last month.

Former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is serving two-and-a-half years in a North Carolina penitentiary. He was convicted of corruption for spending $750,000 of his campaign fund on personal spoils.

"Well his health has been recovering and that has been, as father, the most important thing to me. He has been diligent in doing his work. And I have nothing further to say about that," Rev. Jackson said at the Capitol on Thursday.

The civil rights leader was in Springfield to give the customary prayer at the start of the General Assembly's daily session. He went on to get involved with a push by African-American legislators to block a proposal that would increase prison sentences for certain gun crimes. The Black Caucus said that will land more minorities behind bars.

Rev. Jackson said he plans to convene a statewide summit, with a goal of drafting a comprehensive plan to deal with what he calls an "urban crisis" and a "prison industrial complex" agenda.