John E. Jacob’s memoir, I Will F.E.A.R No Evil, takes readers through his remarkable life as both a corporate executive and a civil rights leader. The book reflects on his journey from growing up in segregated Houston to becoming an influential figure in business and politics. Jacob’s career includes serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., where he worked from 1994 to 2008. He was deeply involved in the company’s leadership, sitting on the board of directors and contributing to major business and philanthropic decisions. He chaired the charitable contributions committee, and served as a member on the Strategy Committee and the Business Practices Committee.
Throughout his life, Jacob has also been involved in various charitable and corporate boards, including prestigious organizations like Morgan Stanley, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and the Drucker Foundation. His extensive experience in both business and social justice has allowed him to make significant contributions to a wide range of causes.
The memoir also highlights his work with the National Urban League, where he served as President and CEO. During this time, Jacob played a key role in shaping the “racial diplomacy” that opened doors for Black leaders in business and politics. He was a colleague of both Vernon Jordan and Ronald Brown during their tenure at the National Urban League. The book reflects on the challenges faced during the Reagan and Bush years in the 1980s and 1990s, noting missed opportunities for advancing the rights of marginalized communities.
One of the key themes in I Will F.E.A.R No Evil is the need for education and job training for Black Americans to prepare them for the future. Jacob, as head of the National Urban League, warned of the importance of these issues and pushed for policy changes to address them. The League, along with other progressive groups, fought against harmful policies, achieving major victories like the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the U.S. stance against apartheid in South Africa.
Jacob’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that leadership, coalition-building, and advocacy can have in the fight for social and economic justice. His life’s work continues to inspire those pushing for change in both business and society. To dive into his story, grab a copy of the book! Coming soon on Amazon.
