Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Icon and Political Pioneer, Dies at 84

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in American civil rights history and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, died peacefully Tuesday morning at the age of 84, surrounded by family members.

“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said in a statement announcing his passing. “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family.”

As founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Jackson dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality, leaving an indelible mark on American politics and civil rights advocacy. His family described his “unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love” that “uplifted millions,” encouraging supporters to honor his memory by continuing to champion the values that defined his life’s work.

Jackson’s influence extended far beyond traditional civil rights activism. He made history with his groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, which elevated him as one of the most prominent Black political leaders of his generation. These campaigns, though unsuccessful in securing the nomination, dramatically expanded his national profile and helped reshape the Democratic Party’s approach to diversity and inclusion.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, Jackson rose to prominence as a close aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the turbulent civil rights struggles of the 1960s. Following King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson emerged as a significant voice in his own right, founding Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971, which later evolved into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Throughout his career, Jackson employed a distinctive blend of religious oratory, grassroots organizing, and political strategy to advance causes ranging from voter registration to economic empowerment in underserved communities. His signature “I am somebody” call-and-response became a rallying cry for dignity and self-worth among marginalized populations.

Jackson’s influence extended globally as well. He engaged in numerous international diplomatic missions, including successful negotiations for the release of American hostages and prisoners in Syria, Cuba, Iraq, and Yugoslavia. These unofficial diplomatic efforts sometimes succeeded where traditional channels had failed, earning him both praise and criticism from Washington policymakers.

His leadership style was not without controversy. Critics sometimes questioned his tactics and motivations, while supporters pointed to his undeniable effectiveness in bringing attention to critical social issues and mobilizing communities that had previously been politically disengaged.

In his later years, Jackson continued his activism despite health challenges, including a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2017. His public appearances became less frequent, but his legacy as a civil rights pioneer remained secure.

Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, their five children — Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline — daughter Ashley Jackson, and grandchildren. The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements.

His passing marks the end of an era in American civil rights leadership. As the nation reflects on Jackson’s life and contributions, many political leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens whose lives were touched by his work are expected to pay tribute to his remarkable journey from the segregated South to the national political stage.

As his family noted in their statement, Jackson’s legacy lives on in the ongoing struggle for the values he championed throughout his lifetime.