Civil Rights Trailblazer Rev. Jesse Jackson Passes at 84, Leaving Enduring Legacy of Justice, Political Change

February 17, 2026

Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., a towering figure of the American civil rights movement and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84, his family announced on Tuesday. He died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, according to a family statement.

Jackson’s passing marks the end of a career that spanned more than five decades of activism, political advocacy and global humanitarian engagement. A Baptist minister and protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson became one of the most prominent voices for racial equality, economic justice and political inclusion in the United States.

Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose from the segregated South to national prominence in the 1960s. He worked closely with King during the height of the civil rights movement and was present in Memphis in 1968 at the time of King’s assassination.

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After King’s death, Jackson continued the struggle for civil rights, initially leading Operation Breadbasket under the Southern Christian Leadership Conference before founding Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity). He later established the Rainbow Coalition, which eventually merged into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, advocating for employment equity, voter empowerment, corporate accountability and social justice reforms.

READ ALSO : Michael Jackson’s Former Wife, Lisa Marie-Presley, Dies At 54

Jackson broke new ground in American politics with his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. Though he did not secure the Democratic nomination, his campaigns were widely regarded as historic, expanding Black political participation and reshaping the Democratic Party’s coalition. His 1988 bid, in particular, demonstrated significant national support and helped open pathways for future candidates of color.

Over the years, Jackson also engaged in international diplomacy and humanitarian missions, including efforts to secure the release of hostages and promote peace initiatives in conflict regions.

In his later years, Jackson faced serious health challenges. In 2017, he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His neurological condition was later identified as progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare degenerative disorder. Despite declining health, he remained publicly active and continued to advocate for civil rights and social justice causes.

In recognition of his decades-long service, Jackson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, whom he married in 1962, their children and grandchildren.

Tributes from political leaders, civil rights advocates and global figures have begun pouring in, honoring Jackson as a relentless advocate for equality whose work helped shape modern American political and social life.

With his death, the civil rights movement loses one of its most enduring and influential voices a leader whose legacy will remain woven into the fabric of American democracy.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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