The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader who marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and later mounted two presidential campaigns, died Tuesday at age 84.
“He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family,” relatives stated. They described him as “a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” adding that his “unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions.”
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In recent years, Jackson confronted serious health issues. In 2017, he revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, and later doctors confirmed he also had progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare condition that impairs movement and balance.
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Born October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose to national prominence during the civil rights movement. He joined King’s inner circle in the 1960s and was present in Memphis in 1968 when King was assassinated. Afterward, Jackson founded Operation PUSH and later established the Rainbow Coalition, organizations that eventually merged into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Turning to politics, Jackson pursued the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. His campaigns energized millions of voters and increased participation within the party, though he fell short of securing the nomination. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.
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Throughout his career, Jackson advocated for voting rights, economic inclusion and social justice in the United States and abroad. His family noted that public observances will be held in Chicago, with additional details to be announced.
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