New Delhi, Feb. 19 -- US President Donald Trump on Wednesday heaped praise on "real hero" Reverend Jesse Jackson at a Black History Month event at the White House, just a day after the civil rights activist's passing and less than two weeks after a sparking raging controversy over a racist video targeting the Obamas.

"We celebrate Black History Month. We honor the memory of those who came before us by continuing their legacy," said Trump at the event on the 100th anniversary of the observance, which began in February 1926.

Calling Jackson a "piece of work" but a "good man", Trump's comments received cheers from those in attendance at the White House event, which was hosted leaders from the Black community.

"I wanted to begin by express...