Civil rights legend Rev. Jesse Jackson has passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of activism, leadership, and unwavering dedication to justice. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition confirmed that Jackson died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, though the cause of death has not been publicly shared.
“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said in a statement. “He shared himself with the world, and the world became part of our extended family. His belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions. Honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”
Jackson, born in Greenville, South Carolina, on October 8, 1941, rose to prominence during the civil rights movement, marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and advocating tirelessly for equality and opportunity. Beyond activism, he also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination twice, in 1984 and 1988, leaving a lasting mark on American politics.
In recent years, Jackson battled serious health challenges. He had been living with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a condition affecting mobility and swallowing, and had previously revealed a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2017. Despite these struggles, he remained a towering figure in civil rights and social advocacy. Public memorial events are expected to be held in Chicago, with details to be released by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.