The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement and a two-time Democratic presidential candidate, passed away at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights activist and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, died on Tuesday morning at the age of 84, according to a statement from his family.
“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family expressed 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.”
<p”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. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family,” the statement continued. “His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless — from his presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote — leaving an indelible mark on history.”
Jackson’s political career included runs for the Democratic presidential nomination in both 1984 and 1988, during which he became one of the most prominent Black political leaders of his time, significantly expanding his national profile beyond the civil rights movement.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, their children — Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline — as well as his daughter Ashley Jackson and several grandchildren.
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According to Fox News, Jackson’s legacy as a civil rights leader will continue to inspire future generations.