Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson Dies at 84
The Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a two-time presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84, . His passing marks the end of an era and leaves a significant void in the fight for social justice.
Jackson dedicated his life to advocating for the oppressed and marginalized, both within the United States, and internationally. He stood alongside Martin Luther King Jr. During pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement, including the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965. His involvement in that march brought him to the attention of Dr. King, forging a relationship that would shape Jackson’s own path as a leader.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson’s commitment to civil rights began early. In 1960, he participated in the first sit-in protests in Greenville, challenging segregation in the city’s library system. This early activism laid the foundation for his decades-long dedication to dismantling systemic racism and inequality.
The struggle for integration in Greenville highlighted the disparities of the time. While libraries in Columbia and Spartanburg, South Carolina, had already integrated without significant controversy, Greenville’s library system remained segregated. Jackson, then a college freshman at the University of Illinois, encountered this firsthand when he discovered the “colored” branch of the library was severely under-resourced, containing outdated and poorly maintained books. He was directed to the white-only branch by a librarian at the colored branch, who was a friend of a librarian at the white branch.
Jackson’s work extended far beyond the initial battles for voting rights and desegregation. In 1971, he founded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, a civil rights organization that continued to champion the cause of social justice, focusing on issues such as economic empowerment, education, and political representation. The organization became a powerful voice for marginalized communities, advocating for policies that addressed systemic inequalities.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina acknowledged Jackson’s impact, stating that despite their political differences, he respected Jackson’s work in uplifting Black voices and inspiring younger generations. The King family also released a statement, recognizing Jackson’s unwavering dedication to justice and his close relationship with Dr. King.
Arndrea Waters King and Martin Luther King III described Jackson as “a towering voice and a devoted servant of justice,” highlighting his enduring legacy as a champion of civil rights. Jackson’s presence at Dr. King’s side, from Selma to Memphis, underscored his unwavering commitment to the movement’s goals.
Jackson’s death comes after a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition similar to Parkinson’s disease. His family released a statement expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support and asking that his memory be honored by continuing the fight for the values he embodied – justice, equality, and love.
The Reverend Jesse Jackson’s life was a testament to the power of nonviolent resistance and the enduring pursuit of a more just and equitable society. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of activists and advocates to challenge injustice and strive for a better world.
