US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies aged 84
US Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies at 84
Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader, passed away at 84 on Tuesday morning, surrounded by family members. His passing was announced by his family in a statement that described his death as “peaceful.” The cause of death has not been disclosed, though Jackson had previously been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological condition, and was hospitalized in the final months of 2024.
Renowned for his activism, Jackson was a key figure in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. He played a significant role in the civil rights movement and was present when King was assassinated in Memphis in 1968. Later, he became a central figure in organizing voter registration drives and advocating for social justice across the nation.
“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,” his family said in a heartfelt message. “His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity.”
Jackson’s legacy also includes his two historic bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. Former President Barack Obama hailed him as a “true giant” in a tribute, emphasizing how Jackson’s campaigns laid the groundwork for Obama’s own presidential run. “He was relentless in his belief that we are all children of God, deserving of dignity and respect,” Obama added.
Surviving Jackson are his wife, Jacqueline, and their children: Santita, Jesse Jr, Jonathan, Yusef, and Ashley. His son, Jesse Jackson, Jr, served as a US congressman before his father’s passing. In the wake of the announcement, public figures and politicians expressed their condolences on social media, with Donald Trump recalling his long-standing relationship with Jackson.
“He was a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and ‘street smarts,’” Trump remarked. “He was very gregarious—Someone who truly loved people!”
Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, noted their friendship with Jackson over “almost fifty years,” praising his advocacy for human dignity. House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described Jackson as “a legendary voice for the voiceless,” while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted his unyielding demand for America to uphold its promises.
Born in 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson emerged as a political force in the 1960s. He dedicated his life to uniting America’s diverse population, emphasizing the struggles of working-class and poor communities. His influence extended beyond domestic issues, inspiring global efforts for freedom and democracy.
