Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Passes Away at 84, Leaving a Towering Legacy of Activism and Leadership

By Perplexity News Staff | February 17, 2026

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, two-time presidential candidate, and lifelong advocate for social justice, died on Tuesday morning at the age of 84, his family announced. Jackson, born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most prominent voices for equality in the 20th and 21st centuries.[1][4]

Early Life and Entry into Civil Rights

Jackson’s journey began in segregation-era South Carolina, where he was class president at Greenville’s segregated Sterling High School and participated in a 1960 sit-in at the local public library. He attended the University of Illinois on a football scholarship before transferring to North Carolina A&T, a historically Black college, where he played quarterback and was again elected class president.[1]

His activism ignited under the mentorship of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Bevel. Jackson joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and became a key leader in Operation Breadbasket, an initiative that pressured businesses in Black communities to hire Black workers and invest locally. SCLC veteran Andrew Young later praised its economic impact, despite noting Jackson’s ambition.[1]

Jackson was present at pivotal moments, including the 1963 March on Washington, the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, and tragically, at King’s side in Memphis on April 4, 1968. He was in the parking lot below when King was shot, later claiming he was the last to speak to the leader—a account disputed by some aides.[3][4][5]

Building a National Platform

Following King’s death, Jackson navigated SCLC leadership disputes and moved to Chicago, founding Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and later the National Rainbow Coalition, which merged into the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. These organizations championed Black economic empowerment, voting rights, and anti-racism efforts.[5][6]

In 1984 and 1988, Jackson mounted groundbreaking presidential campaigns as a Democrat, advocating cuts to the Pentagon budget to boost spending on education, housing, and healthcare. His runs diversified the party and amplified marginalized voices, with his iconic “Keep Hope Alive” rallying cry.[5]

Internationally, Jackson fought apartheid in South Africa, supported Palestinian self-determination, and negotiated hostage releases. Domestically, he challenged the 2000 election recount in Florida, filing suits over discarded minority votes in Duval County, and grieved publicly at Barack Obama’s 2008 victory rally despite past tensions.[4][6]

Health Struggles and Final Years

Jackson faced significant health challenges later in life. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017, he revealed in 2025 a confirmed case of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a severe neurodegenerative disease. He was hospitalized in November 2025 in Chicago for complications, reassuring the public he was stable and not on life support. Earlier, he underwent gallbladder surgery in 2021, fell during a Howard University protest, and battled COVID-19.[3]

In July 2023, after over 50 years, Jackson stepped down as Rainbow/PUSH head, stating, “We’re resigning, we’re not retiring,” and continued supporting voting rights, fair housing, and police reform.[3][6]

Family, Tributes, and Enduring Legacy

Jackson is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Jacqueline Jackson, married in 1962, and their six children. The family described him as a “servant leader” in their statement.[3][6]

Reactions poured in, highlighting his indelible mark. He was remembered as the “ground crew” to King’s “pilot,” a preacher-politician who transformed civil rights into a broader justice movement.[1][5]

“Jesse Jackson is my third name. I’m adopted. When I had no name, my grandmother gave me her name.” — Jackson reflecting on his roots.[1]

From Chicago’s streets to the White House balcony, Jackson embodied resilience. His death marks the end of an era, but his call to “keep hope alive” resonates amid ongoing fights for equality.[1][2]

Funeral arrangements are pending, with global figures expected to pay homage to the Baptist minister whose voice never wavered.[2]