Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 84

The Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a two-time presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family, according to a family statement Politico.

A Legacy of Activism and Advocacy

Jackson’s life was dedicated to championing justice, equality, and human rights, leaving a lasting impact on the global movement for freedom and dignity. He was a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr., marching alongside him in civil rights demonstrations and remaining with King until his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968 NBC News.

Early Life and Education

Born Jesse Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson’s early life was marked by humble beginnings. His mother, Helen Burns Struggs, was just 16 years classic when she gave birth to him. He later took the surname Jackson after his mother married Charles Jackson Reuters.

Jackson excelled in high school, earning an honors student distinction and securing a football scholarship to the University of Illinois. He later transferred to the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina, graduating in 1964 NBC News.

Political Career and Presidential Bids

Jackson rose to prominence leading Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s open housing campaign in Chicago in 1964. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and in the 1980s, he became the first Black candidate to mount a viable presidential campaign in the United States, running in both 1984 and 1988 Chicago Sun-Times.

Later Years and Health Challenges

In his later years, Jackson served as a revered elder statesman of Black Chicago and continued to advocate for social justice. He announced in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but later revealed in April 2024 that he was actually suffering from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a condition affecting bodily movements NBC News.

Jackson stepped down as president of PUSH in July 2023 due to health concerns. He made a final public appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August 2024, where he was honored with a video celebrating his life Chicago Sun-Times.

A Lasting Impact

The Jackson family’s statement expressed gratitude for the world’s embrace of their father and urged continued dedication to the values he championed: “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.” Reuters