Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 84

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 84. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson dedicated his life to fighting for social justice and equality, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political and social landscape.

Early Life and Education

Jesse Jackson was born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, to an unmarried teenage mother and a cotton worker father PBS. He attended segregated schools, including Sterling High School, and later received a scholarship to continue his education. He initially studied sociology before pursuing theology, though he later left his studies. Chicago University awarded him a master’s degree in 2000 PBS. He was ordained as a Baptist pastor in 1968.

Civil Rights Activism and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Jackson became involved with the civil rights movement in the mid-1960s, joining Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) PBS. He led the SCLC’s Operation Breadbasket, which employed boycotts against businesses that practiced discrimination against Black people.

Jackson was with Martin Luther King Jr. On the day of his assassination in 1968. He recalled a conversation with King shortly before the shooting, remembering King’s comment about not needing a tie to eat WYFF 4.

Founding Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition

Following King’s death, Jackson founded People United to Save Humanity (Operation PUSH) in Chicago in 1971 to continue the fight against discrimination and advocate for Black economic empowerment WYFF 4. In 1984, he established the National Rainbow Coalition, expanding the focus to include the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Both organizations merged in 1996, and Jackson continued to lead the combined entity for decades, stepping down in 2023.

Presidential Campaigns and Political Influence

Jackson launched presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, achieving significant success and galvanizing support from a diverse coalition of voters. In 1988, he secured 29 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary, finishing second to Michael Dukakis PBS. His campaigns paved the way for Barack Obama’s historic election as the first African American president in 2008. Jackson was visibly moved at Obama’s election night rally in Chicago, reflecting on the sacrifices of those who came before PBS.

International Diplomacy and Recognition

Jackson served as a special representative for President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, undertaking diplomatic missions to Africa and mediating the release of prisoners in Syria, Iraq, and Serbia PBS. In 2000, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Legacy and Impact

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s death has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and six children. His family stated his “unwavering belief in justice, equality and love inspired millions of people” WYFF 4. Donald Trump called him a “force of nature” and a “decent man,” although British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy described him as “a pillar of the civil rights movement.”

Jackson’s famous mantra, “I am somebody,” resonated deeply with marginalized communities, emphasizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual WYFF 4. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of activists and leaders striving for a more just and equitable world.