Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 84
The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and a two-time presidential candidate, died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 84. His passing marks the end of an era for those who fought for racial equality and social justice in the United States.
A Legacy of Activism
Born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson’s life was deeply intertwined with the struggle for civil rights. He rose to prominence as a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., working alongside him at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) King Institute. He participated in key moments of the movement, including the march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965 King Institute, and was present with King in Memphis when he was assassinated in 1968 AP News.
Expanding the Political Landscape
Jackson founded organizations that later merged to form the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, expanding his work into international affairs in the 1980s Wikipedia. He launched presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, broadening the Democratic political platform to address the struggles of African Americans Wikipedia. While unsuccessful in securing the presidency, these campaigns paved the way for the election of Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States Wikipedia.
Beyond Civil Rights: International Diplomacy
Jackson’s influence extended beyond domestic civil rights. He served as President Bill Clinton’s special envoy to Africa in the 1990s, working to resolve conflicts and promote democracy Wikipedia. He successfully negotiated the release of a U.S. Navy pilot held in Syria in 1983 and contributed to the release of American prisoners of war from Belgrade in 1999 Wikipedia. He also attempted to secure the release of American hostages in Iraq before the Gulf War in 1990 Wikipedia.
Later Years and Parkinson’s Disease
In 2017, Jackson announced he was battling Parkinson’s disease and began to limit his public appearances Wikipedia. Despite his health challenges, he remained a vocal advocate for social justice, appearing with the family of George Floyd after the conviction of Derek Chauvin in 2021 AP News.
Reactions to His Death
Following his death, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump described Jackson as a “force of nature” and praised his personality and determination AP News.
Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Brown, and six children, including former U.S. Representatives Jesse Jackson Jr. And Jonathan Jackson Wikipedia.