It was only a matter of time before the attention whoring Jackson showed up.

ATLANTA — The Occupy Atlanta movement got a boost Thursday from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who told protesters at a homeless shelter that their efforts are an extension of the struggle he helped lead for civil rights in America.

Jackson urged the protesters to keep up the fight, and to focus their anger on economic and social disparities, not City Hall.

“Do not let difficult times break your spirits,” Jackson said. “In all things, keep your eyes on the prize. Renew your faith, keep your hope alive and victory is assured.”

The Arrests were the climax of growing tensions in the city between the mayor, police and protesters. On Thursday, Jackson called the conflict a distraction.

“The focus now is on mayors,” Jackson said. “It must be on bankers.”

Jackson called the Occupy movement “a gallant stand for social justice for all people” that represents the growing disparity between the haves and the have-nots. He praised the multiracial coalition of people and said the effort reminds him of the Poor People’s Campaign that King was just beginning before he was killed in April 1968.