Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84, Leaving Enduring Legacy of Justice and Activism
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a pioneering civil rights activist and longtime advocate for equality, has died at the age of 84. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition confirmed that Jackson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
In a statement, the Jackson family said: “Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world. 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.”
Born in Greenville on October 8, 1941, Jackson rose to prominence during the civil rights movement, marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and advocating tirelessly for racial and economic equality. He also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination twice, in 1984 and 1988, leaving a lasting mark on American politics.
In recent years, Jackson faced significant health challenges. He had been living with progressive supranuclear palsy and had previously revealed a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2017. Despite these struggles, he remained a prominent voice for civil rights and social justice until the end of his life.
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition announced that public memorial events are expected to be held in Chicago
