1988 Jesse Jackson Paves Way for Future Black President Jesse Jackson seeks the Democratic Party's presidential nomination for the second time. Jackson receives 1,218 delegate votes but loses the nomination to Michael Dukakis at the Democratic National Convention, held at the Omni Coliseum (now State Farm Arena) in Atlanta. Though unsuccessful, Jackson's two presidential campaigns—this year and in 1984—lay the groundwork for Barack Obama to become president two decades later.

"It's a venue that does all the concerts and everything in Atlanta. Of course, I'm a fan of the Atlanta Hawks. I also share ownership of the College Park Skyhawks, which is a G League team. State Farm is just the crème de la crème. It's a good place to be at, there's a great energy in there at all times. I'm constantly having my shoes on the wood, you know."