Rev. Jackson's son, Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.), presided over a large part of the debate on Sunday. He refereed the discussion from the Speaker's chair, and it was his job to manage procedural objections and respond to queries on parliamentary procedure throughout the night.

"I wanted to watch my son preside," Rev. Jackson said. "I've been impressed."

Rev. Jackson opened the door for his son's success with his own political career. Jackson ran very strong presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, exposing his son to the ins and outs of American politics. Jesse Jackson Jr. is highly respected on Capitol Hill, known for his appreciation of rules and cordiality toward others.

I've had a chance to interact with the Jackson family on multiple occasions. I find their political savvy to be remarkable, and their love for each other to be strengthened by the adversity they've experienced as a family unit. While many see Jesse Jackson as a dominant force in civil rights and American politics, the truth is that you don't obtain such a status without overcoming many decades of struggle.

The historic health care vote over which Jackson Jr. presided concluded last night with the Democrats obtaining enough votes to get the bill through the House of Representatives. The bill passed 219 - 212, and was considered to be one of the most significant events in American history. By securing an overhaul to the health care system, President Barack Obama has fulfilled one of his most important campaign promises and secured his position as an impactful and productive president. According to Democratic sources, Obama will sign the bill into law on Tuesday.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.