Veteran U.S. civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. has died at the age of 84, his family announced, marking the end of a life dedicated to fighting for racial justice, voting rights and economic equality. Jackson, one of the most influential Black leaders in American history, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning surrounded by family after living with health challenges in recent years, including a neurodegenerative condition.
Born in 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose from the racially segregated South to become a leading voice in the civil rights movement. He first came to prominence as a young activist and was an aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s, participating in protests and campaigns that helped reshape American society. After King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson continued the struggle, building his own organisations and pressing for change across the country.
Jackson founded Operation PUSH in 1971 and later helped create the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a multiracial civil rights and social justice organisation based in Chicago that worked on issues from job creation to voter registration. He also became known for his charismatic public speaking and tireless campaigning on behalf of marginalised communities.
In the 1980s, Jackson became a national political figure through two historic bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, energising voters and broadening the political conversation about racial and economic justice despite not winning the nomination. His campaigns broke barriers for Black candidates on the national stage and inspired many who would follow in his footsteps.
In recent years, Jackson’s health had declined as he battled progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder that had affected him for more than a decade. Despite these struggles, he remained a symbol of resilience and a moral voice for justice, embodying the civil rights movement’s enduring fight against inequality.
Jackson’s death has prompted tributes from leaders and communities worldwide, who remember him not only as a key figure in the American civil rights struggle but also as a servant leader who dedicated his life to uplifting those without a voice and pressing for a more just, inclusive society.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Jackson, their children, grandchildren, and a legacy that continues to influence social and political movements today.
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