Apple CEO Tim Cook met privately with Jesse Jackson

SAN FRANCISCO — Apple CEO Tim Cook met privately with Rev. Jesse Jackson on Monday, the civil rights leader told USA TODAY.

"I am impressed with him and the conversation," Jackson said in an interview on Tuesday. "He has a real vision for Apple and he sees the value in inclusiveness."

In a statement, Apple spokeswoman Kristen Huguet said: "Apple is deeply committed to diversity within our company and the advancement of human rights around the world. We had a productive meeting with Rev. Jesse Jackson and we value his input. We look forward to working with him, our employees, customers and other stakeholders as we look for ways to do more."

Jackson is in the Bay Area for a workshop his Rainbow PUSH Coalition is holding on how to close the racial gap in high tech. The workshop is being hosted at Intel's headquarters.

On Thursday Jackson is taking part in a rally outside Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. Community and labor leaders and service workers to shine a light on the growing wealth gap in Silicon Valley.

Jackson has been leading the charge to press high-tech to address the industry's persistent lack of women, blacks and Hispanics. He met with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella last week and has a meeting scheduled with Intel CEO Brian Krzanich.

Jackson said he covered a range of subjects with Cook for about an hour. He declined to be more specific.

"It was positive and productive," Jackson said.