He's played a major role in the civil rights movement, and now the Rev. Jesse Jackson is looking to inspire others to get involved.

Jackson made the first of two appearances in our area Monday. He told a crowd at the Zoellner Arts Center on the Lehigh University campus in Bethlehem that everyone must fight for equality.

Jackson talked to the crowd about his struggles during the civil rights movement and then asked them what issues they are willing to fight for.

After a standing ovation and a presentation from Jackson's Omega Psi Phi fraternity brothers, it was time to have a serious talk.

"The leadership you're looking for is within you," Jackson said. "You must not allow that light to be put out. You must define the issue of your time where there is an inequality gap to be occupied."

The basis of the conversation was leadership and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of women being allowed to attend Lehigh University.

Jackson told the crowd that Lehigh didn't really become a university until 40 years ago because then everyone was equal.

He also told women to get involved in the debate brewing in Washington over a policy that requires all employers provide contraceptive coverage.

"This is not a battle to be led by President Obama," he said. "This is a right to be led by women. This is an issue about women's dignity, and security, and safety."

Jackson also said that each person should work to close the gap in educational access, healthcare, and the distribution of wealth.

He said just look at the bailout of the banks and see that people should be standing up to fight.

"The banks got money off the original loan, they made money off of private mortgage insurance, they made money off of sub-prime lending predatory schemes, they money off of the bailout and foreclosure. They never stopped making money," Jackson said.

Jackson will speak at Moravian College in Bethlehem at noon Tuesday. The event is open to the public but there are only 1,200 seats available. The doors will open around 11:30, organizers said.