Story highlights Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders meet with Jesse Jackson in Chicago on Monday

Sanders previously endorsed both Jackson's presidential bids

Washington (CNN) Bernie Sanders met with civil rights leader Jesse Jackson on Monday in Chicago amid an active push by his campaign to more forcefully address race and criminal justice issues.

"Sen. Sanders is a long-time friend of Rev. Jackson. They held a very productive, hour-long meeting at Operation PUSH headquarters on important issues confronting the country and the African-American community," Michael Briggs, Sanders' campaign spokesman, said in an email to CNN.

Jackson tweeted about the meeting on Monday, noting that Sanders' wife, Jane, joined the gathering.

"Meeting today with @SenSanders and wife today @RPCoalition Headquarters," he wrote.

In a phone interview with CNN on Tuesday, Jackson said the meeting was "meaningful" and made clear that Sanders is interested in addressing voting rights, urban reconstruction and the impact of racism on black people.

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