Rev. Jesse Jackson, the prominent civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, passed away at age 84, surrounded by family members who described him as a servant leader to the oppressed and voiceless worldwide.

A Life of Service and Activism

Jackson died peacefully after battling progressive supranuclear palsy for over a decade, a degenerative neurological disorder affecting movement and swallowing. He had also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017. His family stated that no immediate cause of death was released, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and love throughout his life.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose to national prominence working alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement. He participated in the historic 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march and later led Operation Breadbasket through the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, focusing on economic empowerment for African Americans.

Political Legacy and Presidential Campaigns

After King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson founded People United to Save Humanity in 1971, later renamed the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. He expanded his influence into politics, seeking the Democratic presidential nomination in both 1984 and 1988. His second campaign proved particularly successful, winning eleven primaries and caucuses while building a diverse multiracial political coalition that influenced American politics for decades.

International Impact and Recognition

Jackson’s influence extended beyond domestic civil rights, as he successfully negotiated the release of American hostages abroad, including U.S. soldiers held in Yugoslavia in 1999. President Bill Clinton recognized his contributions by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000. Jackson is survived by his wife Jacqueline Brown, whom he married in 1962, and their five children, including former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. Public observances will be held in Chicago, with additional details available through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.