Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent voice in the American civil rights movement and a two-time presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84. His passing marks the end of an era for a figure who, for decades, was at the forefront of struggles for racial equality and human rights. Jackson's work spanned decades, from marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to founding influential organizations and engaging in global diplomacy. His death was confirmed by his family, who stated he passed away peacefully.
Background and Early Activism
Born Jesse Louis Burns in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, Jackson adopted the surname Jackson after his mother remarried. He became a Baptist minister and began his public service as an organizer with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE).
He participated in key civil rights events, including marches and sit-ins.
Jackson was a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and worked with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
He was present in Memphis, Tennessee, when Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.
He founded Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, organizations aimed at promoting social justice and equality.
Presidential Aspirations and Political Engagement
Jackson made a significant mark on American politics by running for President of the United States in 1984 and 1988. These campaigns made him the second African American to mount a major presidential bid.
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His 1984 campaign, though unsuccessful in securing the nomination, garnered substantial support and highlighted his ability to mobilize voters.
He advocated for policies that addressed economic inequality, often criticizing systems he felt favored the wealthy over the poor.
While he did not achieve the presidency, his campaigns are seen as pivotal moments that reshaped the Democratic Party and paved the way for future Black candidates.
Later Years and Health Challenges
In his later years, Jesse Jackson continued his advocacy work, often described as an elder statesman of the civil rights movement. However, his health became a subject of public concern.
He announced in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
In November prior to his death, he was hospitalized with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare and severe neurodegenerative condition that affects balance, movement, and swallowing.
His family confirmed that he was receiving care and was discharged to a nursing facility.
The official cause of death was not released, but reports indicated he had been dealing with these health challenges for some time.
Controversies and Public Discourse
Throughout his long public life, Jesse Jackson was a figure of both admiration and controversy.
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He faced accusations of antisemitism for remarks made regarding Jewish people, for which he later apologized.
His association with certain leaders also drew scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, he remained a significant voice for civil rights and social justice.
Legacy and Impact
Reverend Jesse Jackson's impact on the civil rights movement and American society is widely acknowledged. His efforts are credited with influencing legislation, challenging corporate practices, and advancing the cause of equality.
He is remembered for his powerful oratory and his ability to connect with diverse groups of people.
Commentators suggest his activism laid groundwork for future leaders, including Barack Obama.
Figures like playwright Bonnie Greer described him as a "great man" and a "big brother" to her generation.
Sources
Huffington Post France: Reports on Jackson's death, highlighting his role as a civil rights activist and two-time presidential candidate, mentioning his founding of Operation Push and National Rainbow Coalition, and his connection to Martin Luther King Jr. (Link: https://www.huffpost.fr/international/article/mort-du-reverend-jesse-jackson-militant-pour-les-droits-civiques-et-deux-fois-candidat-a-l-election-presidentielle260521.html)
NBC News: Confirms the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson, detailing his background as a civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and presidential candidate. Mentions his early work with CORE and an instance where he admitted to using a slur and apologized. (Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/rev-jesse-jackson-civil-rights-activist-dies-rcna42408)
NBC Chicago: Announces the death of Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon and Chicago figure. Notes his advocacy for criminal justice reform and mentions his family spokesperson, Yusef Jackson. (Link: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/rev-jesse-jackson-civil-rights-activist-chicago-icon-dies/3851223/)
Wikipedia: Provides biographical information on Jesse Jackson, referencing his activism and political campaigns. (Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JesseJackson)
TMZ: Reports the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson at 84, mentioning his presidential runs and his hospitalization in November due to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). (Link: https://www.tmz.com/2026/02/17/reverend-jesse-jackson-dead/)
BBC News: Live updates on the death of US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, including a quote from playwright Bonnie Greer describing him as a "big brother" and a "bridge" between generations. (Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c394g14n3rzt)
USA Today: Details the passing of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, highlighting his partnership with Martin Luther King Jr., his push for voting rights, and his role in corporate and global negotiations. Suggests his influence on future leaders like Barack Obama. (Link: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/02/17/jesse-jackson-civil-rights-icon-dies/8245106002/)
20 Minutes (France): Reports the death of pastor and activist Jesse Jackson at 84, emphasizing his fight against racism and his past apologies for controversial remarks regarding Jewish people and Louis Farrakhan. (Link: https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/people/4201914-20260217-pasteur-militant-americain-droits-civils-jesse-jackson-mort)
CNBC: Confirms the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon and former presidential candidate, at 84. Notes his impact on the Democratic Party and his later years as an elder statesman. Mentions accusations of exaggerating his role after King's assassination and making anti-Semitic remarks. (Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/17/jesse-jackson-dead.html)
CNN: Covers the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson, calling him a pioneering civil rights activist and "racial 'pathfinder'." Highlights his influence on the Democratic Party and his work as an elder statesman. Notes accusations of exaggerating his role post-King assassination and making anti-Semitic remarks. (Link: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/17/us/reverend-jesse-jackson-death)
Hollywood Reporter: Announces the death of Jesse Jackson, a US Civil Rights Leader and former Democratic presidential candidate, at 84. Mentions his rise with the SCLC and his presidential run in 1984. Notes he was hospitalized in November due to a degenerative condition. (Link: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/jesse-jackson-dead-84-us-civil-rights-activist-reverend-1236507428/)
Newsweek: Reports on the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson at 84, following a lengthy illness. Details his hospitalization in November for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and his prior announcement of having Parkinson's disease in 2017. (Link: https://www.newsweek.com/jesse-jackson-dies-aged-84-health-problems-what-we-know-11533587)
People: Confirms the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a Civil Rights Activist and Baptist Minister, at 84. Notes his hospitalization in November for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and a prior hospitalization with his wife for COVID-19. (Link: https://people.com/jesse-jackson-dead-civil-right-activist-was-84-11851493)
Irish Star: Reports Reverend Jesse Jackson's death at 84, attributing it to a battle with Parkinson's Disease and recent diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Mentions he was receiving life support before his passing. (Link: https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/reverend-jesse-jackson-dead-civilrights-36734364)
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