Civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson has been hospitalized in Chicago, his organization announced Wednesday evening. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which Jackson founded, confirmed that the 84-year-old leader is currently under medical observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disorder.
In a statement, the organization revealed that Jackson has been managing this condition for more than a decade. He was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease several years ago, but doctors confirmed in April that he is living with PSP, a condition that shares some similarities with Parkinson’s but is often more aggressive in its progression. The family has requested privacy and prayers as he continues to receive care.
Health History
Reverend Jackson’s health has been a concern in recent years. In 2017, he publicly disclosed his Parkinson’s diagnosis, and in 2023 he stepped down as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, citing his advancing age and ongoing health challenges. Despite his condition, Jackson has continued to make public appearances and participate in community and advocacy events whenever possible.
His Background
A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson rose to prominence during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and went on to become one of the most influential voices in the fight for racial and economic equality. He founded the organizations Operation PUSH and later Rainbow PUSH, which have championed civil rights, social justice, and economic empowerment for decades. Jackson also made history as a two-time presidential candidate, running in 1984 and 1988 and breaking significant ground for African American political leadership in the United States.
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurological illness that is often mistaken for Parkinson’s disease due to its overlapping symptoms. However, PSP more severely affects balance, eye movement, speech, and swallowing. There is currently no cure for PSP, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life.
News of Jackson’s hospitalization has prompted an outpouring of concern and support from across the nation. Friends, colleagues, and supporters have expressed their admiration for his lifelong dedication to justice and equality while offering prayers for his health and recovery.
As of now, details about the length of his hospital stay and his prognosis have not been released. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition said it will provide updates as they become available and thanked the public for their continued support during this difficult time.
Reverend Jesse Jackson remains one of the most respected figures of the American civil rights era—a man whose leadership, activism, and compassion have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. His hospitalization serves as a poignant reminder of both his enduring legacy and the personal challenges faced by those who have devoted their lives to fighting for others.
