US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies aged 84
US Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies at 84
Jesse Jackson, a prominent US civil rights advocate, passed away at 84 on Tuesday morning, surrounded by family members, as shared by his family’s official statement. The family described his death as occurring “peacefully” and noted his role as a leading figure in the civil rights movement and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Medical Condition and Diagnosis
The cause of Jackson’s death has not yet been disclosed. However, he was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare degenerative neurological disorder, in April 2025. This revised his earlier 2015 diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, which was initially believed to be the condition affecting him. Both illnesses impact the brain, nervous system, and motor control, with PSP often mistaken for Parkinson’s due to overlapping symptoms.
“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,” the family said, adding he died “peacefully.”
Tributes and Legacy
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, including Barack Obama, the first Black US president. Obama called Jackson a “true giant,” emphasizing how his two presidential bids “established the groundwork for my own campaign to the nation’s top post.” The Obamas also highlighted that Michelle Obama first encountered political organizing at the Jacksons’ kitchen table as a teenager.
“Reverend Jackson championed human dignity and helped create opportunities for countless people to live better lives,” the former president and his wife stated.
Politicians and public figures expressed their grief, with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani noting that Jackson “never stopped demanding that America live up to its promise.” He described the leader as someone who “marched, ran, organized and preached justice without apology.” House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Jackson a “legendary voice for the voiceless,” praising his lifelong dedication to justice and equality.
Early Political Involvement
Born in 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson became politically active at a young age. In the 1960s, he rose to prominence as a key figure within Martin Luther King Jr’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and was present during King’s assassination in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968.
Throughout his career, Jackson focused on uniting America’s diverse population, advocating for the rights of working-class and impoverished communities. His efforts culminated in two historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, which laid the foundation for future movements. After these runs, he transitioned into a role as an elder statesman within the Democratic Party.
Family and Survivors
Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and their children: Santita, Jesse Jr, Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline, and Ashley. His family emphasized his “unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights,” which helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. They also credited him with “elevating the voices of the voiceless” through initiatives like voter registration drives and social justice campaigns.
“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,” they added.
Politicians such as Donald Trump and Bill Clinton also shared their memories. Trump, who knew Jackson “long before becoming president,” praised him as “a man of great character, marked by charisma, resilience, and streetwise insight.” Clinton and his wife Hillary, a former secretary of state, reflected on their “almost fifty years” of friendship with Jackson, highlighting his role as a steadfast ally for marginalized groups.
