Jesse Jackson, a towering figure of the United States civil rights movement and one of the most influential voices for racial justice in modern American history, has died at the age of 84.
Gatekeepers News reports that the deceased’s family confirmed that he passed away peacefully in his sleep early Tuesday morning, surrounded by loved ones.
“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 statement.
“He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family.”
“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 mobilising millions to register to vote — leaving an indelible mark on history.”
Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most prominent civil rights activists of his generation. ‘
He studied sociology and theology before entering ministry and dedicating his life to social justice, racial equality, and economic empowerment. His early activism placed him at the heart of the historic civil rights struggle of the 1960s.
Jackson worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and became a key leader within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, where he played a central role in organising protests, marches, and voter registration drives across the southern United States.
He was present in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968 when King was assassinated, an event that deeply shaped his lifelong commitment to justice and nonviolent activism.
In the years that followed, Jackson founded Operation PUSH and later the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, organisations that focused on civil rights, economic justice, political empowerment, and social inclusion.
Through these platforms, he championed equal opportunities in employment, education, housing, and healthcare, while also fighting discrimination and voter suppression.
Jackson also made history in American politics by contesting for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, becoming one of the first African Americans to mount a serious national campaign. His campaigns helped expand political participation among minority communities and reshaped the country’s political landscape by mobilising millions of new voters.
Beyond domestic activism, Jackson played an active role in international diplomacy, mediating in conflict zones and advocating for human rights worldwide. He led missions to secure the release of political prisoners and hostages in countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Yugoslavia, earning global recognition as a peacemaker and negotiator.
In 2017, Jackson publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder. His health gradually declined in subsequent years, and in November 2025, he was hospitalised after doctors confirmed he was also battling a degenerative condition.
Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, civil rights groups, and activists around the world, all celebrating a life defined by courage, sacrifice, and relentless service. Jesse Jackson is remembered not only as a civil rights pioneer but as a symbol of resilience, hope, and the enduring struggle for equality and human dignity.
