The Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in American civil rights and a two-time presidential candidate, died Tuesday in Chicago at the age of 84. His passing marks the end of an era, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum and reflections on a life dedicated to fighting for the marginalized and disenfranchised.
Born Jesse Louis Burns in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, Jackson rose to prominence as a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. He became a leading voice in the civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality and social justice. From 1991 to 1997, he served as a shadow senator for the District of Columbia, amplifying the concerns of a population without full representation in Congress.
Jackson’s impact extended far beyond the realm of politics. He founded organizations that ultimately merged into the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, a powerful force for advocating for the rights of Black Americans, the poor, and working-class individuals. He expanded his work internationally, becoming a vocal critic of the Reagan administration’s foreign policy and championing human rights around the globe.
His two presidential campaigns, in 1984 and 1988, were groundbreaking. While he did not win the nomination, Jackson fundamentally altered the political landscape, bringing issues of racial and economic justice to the forefront of the national conversation. As James Baldwin observed after Jackson’s 1984 Democratic National Convention speech, “Nothing will ever again be what it was before.” Baldwin argued that Jackson’s candidacy changed how Black Americans, and all Americans, thought about themselves and their place in the Republic.
However, Jackson’s career was not without controversy. He faced criticism for his rhetoric and tactics, with some labeling him a “dangerous man, a radical, a demagogue” who thrived on racial division. In 1984, he used an anti-Jewish slur—calling New York City “hymietown”—in a conversation overheard by a reporter, a remark he later apologized for but which continued to haunt him. Critics, including right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh, often portrayed him in a negative light, and some attempted to exploit racial fears to undermine his political influence.
Despite these attacks, Jackson’s vision of a “Rainbow Coalition”—a diverse alliance of Americans working together for a more just society—resonated with millions. He understood that progress required the combined efforts of people from all backgrounds, recognizing that “farmers, workers, women, students, Blacks and Hispanics…your patch is not big enough” to achieve meaningful change alone.
Marshall Frady, author of a biography on Jackson, noted a growing “attitudinal air-barrier of cynicism” surrounding the civil rights leader. This cynicism, Frady suggested, reflected a deeper racial schism within the country. Yet, Jackson persevered, consistently advocating for the rights of the oppressed and challenging the status quo.
In later years, Jackson continued to be a force for social justice, supporting LGBTQ rights and advocating for mercy and understanding for undocumented immigrants. He remained a vocal critic of economic inequality and corporate power, condemning “American multinationals” who “hire repressed labor abroad and fire free labor at home.”
Jackson’s legacy extends beyond his own accomplishments. He inspired a generation of Black leaders and activists, paving the way for the election of Barack Obama, who acknowledged Jackson’s role in making his own historic victory possible. As one commentator noted, Jackson was the “Jackie Robinson of American politics,” opening doors for countless others to follow.
In his final years, Jackson battled progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and twice contracted Covid-19. He leaves behind a family and a nation forever changed by his tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice. His exhortation to “keep hope alive” continues to resonate, a testament to the enduring power of his vision.
