Jesse Jackson dead at 84. The longtime civil rights activist, minister, and presidential candidate passed away peacefully, leaving behind a historic legacy.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and two-time U.S. presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84, his family announced on Tuesday. The influential activist passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, according to a family statement shared on social media.
Jackson’s death marks the end of a storied life dedicated to racial justice, voter rights, social advocacy, and political transformation over more than six decades.
Born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson emerged from humble beginnings in the segregated South to become one of the most recognized voices of the American civil rights movement. He first rose to prominence as a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., playing a key role alongside him during pivotal campaigns of the 1960s. Jackson was present at the assassination of Dr. King in Memphis in 1968, an event that profoundly shaped his path as a civil rights advocate.
Jackson later founded influential civil rights organizations—People United to Save Humanity (PUSH) in 1971 and the Rainbow Coalition, which would later merge into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
In the 1980s, he made history with two bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, becoming one of the first Black candidates to gain substantial national support. His campaigns helped pave the way for future leaders, including Barack Obama.
Advocate for the Voiceless and Global Peacemaker
Across his life, Jackson championed causes far beyond domestic civil rights. His work included:
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Voter registration drives and economic justice initiatives.
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International diplomacy, securing the release of hostages and U.S. citizens in countries such as Cuba, Iraq, and Syria.
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Advocacy for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and marginalized communities at home and abroad.
In 2000, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor, in recognition of his lifelong service.
Health Battles in Later Years
Jackson’s health challenges became public in recent years. He revealed a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2017, and in 2025 was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disorder that impacted his mobility and daily function. Despite facing these hurdles, Jackson continued to be a respected elder statesman and symbol of resilience in the fight for equality.
Reverend Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and his children, including Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline, along with grandchildren.
His family called on the world to honor his legacy by “continuing the fight for the values he lived by”—justice, equality, and dignity for all.
Public observances and memorial services are expected to be announced through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in the coming days.
Here is the Jackson family statement in full:
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family.
His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilising millions to register to vote – leaving an indelible mark on history.
Reverend Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; their children – Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline; daughter Ashley Jackson, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Burns Jackson; father, Noah Louis Robinson; and stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson.
“Our father was a servant leader – not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world. 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 honour his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”
Public observances will be held in Chicago. Final arrangements for Reverend Jackson’s celebration of life services, including all public events, will be released by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
