Award-winning CNN anchor and political correspondent Abby Phillip is turning a new page in her career, with the release of her first book, A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power, set to hit shelves on October 28, 2025.
Published by Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan, the biography dives deep into the life and groundbreaking presidential campaigns of Rev. Jesse Jackson, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping Black political power in America.
A Legacy Reexamined
In a personal Instagram post, Phillip shared her excitement, writing:
“She’s an author!! I’m SO proud to announce that my first book… will be released on October 28, 2025… Jesse Jackson broke barriers in his two campaigns for president in 1984 and 1988, paving the way not only for the first Black president but also supercharging the political power of Black voters in the Democratic Party.”
The book is a political biography that charts Jackson’s historic 1984 and 1988 presidential bids and the broad, multicultural coalition he built to amplify Black voices within the Democratic Party. His efforts laid the groundwork for the modern Democratic electorate and inspired future leaders, including Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and Joe Biden.
A Story of Power, Progress, and Perseverance
Described as both a celebration and critical examination, A Dream Deferred also traces Jackson’s roots as a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his evolution into a national political figure in the post-civil rights era.
According to Flatiron Books, the work “explores his historic leadership that helped reshape American politics and the post-Dr. King civil rights movement in the late 20th century.”
Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton praised the book for its honesty and historical depth, saying:
“Abby does it honestly, exploring [Jackson’s] strengths and weaknesses, clearly saying why he is a historic leader that must be studied.”
A Timely Contribution
Phillip, who currently anchors NewsNight with Abby Phillip on CNN, is no stranger to the political landscape. Having covered multiple presidential campaigns and historic elections, she brings seasoned insight to the story of a man who redefined what was politically possible for Black Americans.
“At a time when understanding our history has never been more important,” Phillip noted, “I’m honored to have put pen to paper on a re-evaluation of Jackson’s political legacy.”
Pre-orders for A Dream Deferred are now available at ADreamDeferredbook.com and major book retailers.
