The United States has lost one of its most influential civil rights leaders. Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., a towering figure in the struggle for racial justice, economic equality and political empowerment, died Tuesday at the age of 84. His family said he passed away peacefully at home in Chicago, surrounded by loved ones.
Jackson’s death marks the end of a remarkable career in activism and public life that stretched more than six decades. Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose from humble beginnings in the segregated South to become a leading voice in the modern civil rights movement.
A Lifelong Crusade for Justice
Jackson first came to prominence as a protégé of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., joining him in marches across the country and participating in historic campaigns for voting rights and desegregation. Following King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson helped carry the movement forward, counseling grassroots activists and forging new paths for political engagement.
In 1971 he founded Operation PUSH, later renamed the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a multiracial organization dedicated to social change, economic opportunity and corporate accountability. Under his leadership, the coalition became a major force in national campaigns for workplace diversity, voting rights and equitable education.
Breaking Barriers in National Politics
Jackson made history with his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, running as a Democratic candidate and galvanizing millions of voters — particularly African Americans and working-class supporters — with his message of inclusion and hope. While he did not secure the nomination, his runs transformed Democratic politics and expanded the scope of minority engagement in national elections.
Legacy and Tributes
Leaders across the political spectrum paid tribute to Jackson’s legacy. The NAACP described him as a “towering moral voice” whose work reshaped America’s civil rights landscape. Congressional allies and local leaders reflected on his role in mobilizing communities and mentoring generations of activists.
In a release following Jackson’s death, his family urged people to continue the work he championed — advancing justice, equality and dignity for all. “Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” his statement said.
Personal Struggles and Final Years
In recent years Jackson faced significant health challenges. He was diagnosed with a neurological disorder — progressive supranuclear palsy — after a public battle with Parkinson’s disease, and had been hospitalized late last year before returning home.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, six children, and grandchildren. Public memorial events and final arrangements are expected to be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in the coming days.
