Rev. Jesse Jackson is going back to college this weekend.
The one-time Democratic candidate for president will be visiting a University residence hall and holding a "rap session" with a group of student leaders before speaking at Hill Auditorium on Monday.
Jackson is coming to campus for four days to speak with students about the importance of political activism in an election year. The trip is part of Jackson's voter registration drive.
Jackson is scheduled to speak about the impact of voting at 1:15 p.m. on Monday. Student speakers will precede Jackson, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
"There's quite a bit of energy," said John Matlock, director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives and an organizer of the Jackson visit. "People are very excited about it."
Fremon Hendrix, director for the Clinton/Gore campaign in Michigan, said Jackson can spread the Democratic message to a select group of voters.
"Jesse touches a segment of our voters that are extremely important to the Democratic party," he said. "We're a very diverse party. We have a very big umbrella and we invite a lot of folks to stand up under that umbrella.
"He's going to swing through the state hitting some very important pockets of votes," Hendrix said.
Jackson's "Get Down with the Vote" tour is sponsored in part by the Washtenaw County chapter of the Rainbow Coalition.
Christina Montague, an organizer of the Rainbow Coalition, said Jackson will bring a crucial message to students.
"It's not about where you're from, but where you're going to be when you get out (of college)," she said. "This tour is about enforcing who you are, being informed about why you should vote and about what can happen if you don't."
Matlock said voter registration tables will be set up outside Hill Auditorium on Monday, in addition to music stands and student speaker venues.
The visit demonstrates Jackson's belief in the importance of younger voters, Matlock said. He said 18- to 24-year-old voters historically show a very low voter turnout.
"Sometimes (political parties) don't even fool with the 18- to 24-year-old vote," Matlock said.
Michigan Student Assembly President Fiona Rose, who will introduce Jackson on Monday, said she is looking forward to his visit.
"Jesse Jackson has long been a champion of civil rights and representative government," Rose said. "His example is a reminder of the role each of us can play in our communities with commitment and strength of will."
Rose said his visit should be a meaningful experience for a number of University students. "Especially in an election year, it's important that students remember the importance of being active in the political sphere," she said.
Matlock said Jackson plans to visit various southeast Michigan churches during his visit as well. He will also travel to Detroit for a meeting with Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer.
Stops at Eastern Michigan University, Wayne State University, Oakland Community College and several local high schools are also scheduled for Jackson on Monday.