The Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement and a two-time presidential candidate, died Tuesday morning , his family announced. He was 84 years old.
Jackson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, according to a statement released by his loved ones. He had been hospitalized for observation in November, and was previously diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 and a degenerative condition called progressive supranuclear palsy.
A close confidant and protégé of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson stepped into a leadership role following King’s assassination in 1968. He dedicated his life to advocating for the disenfranchised, both within the United States and internationally, pursuing civil rights, voting rights, job opportunities, education, and healthcare for all.
“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” his family said in their statement. “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.”
Jackson’s activism extended beyond domestic issues. He achieved diplomatic successes by engaging with world leaders and, through his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, pressured corporations to embrace diversity and equity. He sought to empower individuals, famously declaring, “I am Somebody,” a phrase that resonated with people from all walks of life.
As a young man, Jackson was present with King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis shortly before the civil rights leader’s death. He was ordained by the Reverend Clay Evans in 1968, having nearly completed his studies at Chicago Theological Seminary, leaving just three credits short of a degree to fully commit to working alongside King.
The impact of Jackson’s life and work was immediately felt across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump reportedly praised him as “a force of nature like few others before him,” while former President Barack Obama described Jackson as a “true giant.” Obama recalled being directly inspired by Jackson, noting that his wife, Michelle, first became involved in political organizing at the Jackson family’s kitchen table as a teenager. He also credited Jackson with laying the groundwork for his own presidential campaigns.
Civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton described Jackson as his mentor and “a movement unto himself.” Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., shared a photograph of Jackson alongside her father, stating, “Both now ancestors.”
Democratic Representative James Clyburn, who grew up with Jackson, remembered him as a pivotal figure in his own life and in the broader struggle for equality.
Jackson’s two bids for the presidency, though unsuccessful in securing the White House, were groundbreaking. He mobilized a diverse coalition of voters and brought issues of social and economic justice to the forefront of national debate. His campaigns helped pave the way for future generations of political leaders.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Davis, and their five children: Santita, Jesse Jr., Nikki, Jonathan, and Yusef. Santita Jackson confirmed her father’s passing, noting that he died at home in Chicago, surrounded by his family.
The legacy of Jesse Jackson extends far beyond his political achievements. He was a moral compass for a nation grappling with issues of race, poverty, and inequality. His unwavering commitment to justice and his powerful voice will be deeply missed, but his message of hope and empowerment will continue to inspire generations to come.
