Rev. Jesse Jackson, American Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 84
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and two-time presidential candidate, died Tuesday after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
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The Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of America's most prominent civil rights leaders and a two-time presidential candidate, died early Tuesday at age 84 after battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, according to multiple reports. The founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition succumbed to the degenerative neurological condition that had limited his public appearances in recent years.
Jackson's death marks the end of an era for the American civil rights movement. He rose to national prominence working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s and later became a powerful voice for racial justice, economic equality, and political empowerment across five decades of activism.
From Civil Rights Foot Soldier to National Leader
Jackson emerged as a key figure in the civil rights struggle during the 1960s, working closely with Dr. King before the civil rights icon's assassination in 1968. He was present at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis when King was shot, an experience that shaped his subsequent activism and political career.
In the decades that followed, Jackson built a reputation as "America's preeminent civil rights figure," according to SABC News, though his career was not without controversy. He founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971 and later merged it with the National Rainbow Coalition to create Rainbow PUSH Coalition, organizations that advocated for civil rights, political empowerment, and economic justice.
His influence extended beyond traditional civil rights activism into electoral politics, where he mounted two significant campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. Though unsuccessful, these campaigns broke barriers and mobilized millions of voters, particularly African Americans and other minority communities.
Presidential Campaigns and Political Impact
Jackson's presidential bids in the 1980s transformed American politics. His 1984 campaign, while falling short of the nomination, demonstrated that a Black candidate could compete seriously for the nation's highest office. His 1988 campaign proved even more formidable, finishing second in the Democratic primary race and winning several states.
These campaigns energized voter registration drives in Black communities across America and forced the Democratic Party to address issues of racial and economic justice more directly. Jackson's "Rainbow Coalition" sought to unite diverse groups—African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, working-class whites, and others—around a progressive economic and social agenda.
Beyond electoral politics, Jackson became known for his diplomatic interventions, securing the release of American hostages and prisoners in countries including Syria, Cuba, and Iraq. He maintained relationships with world leaders and used his platform to advocate for peace and human rights internationally.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Jackson remained active despite declining health. He publicly revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in 2017, though it was later determined he suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rarer and more aggressive condition. This Day reported that Jackson died "after a long battle" with PSP, a disease that affects movement, balance, vision, and cognitive function.
Despite physical limitations, Jackson continued advocating for social justice causes, appearing at protests against police brutality and speaking out on issues of voting rights and economic inequality. His organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, remained active in fighting for "justice and equality," according to Legit.ng.
Jackson's legacy extends through multiple generations of civil rights activists and political leaders who cite his influence. His work helped pave the way for increased Black political participation and representation, including the eventual election of Barack Obama as America's first Black president in 2008.
Throughout his career, Jackson weathered numerous controversies, including criticism over his leadership style and various public statements that drew rebuke. Yet SABC News noted he "remained America's preeminent civil rights figure" despite these challenges, testament to his enduring impact on American society and politics.
Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Brown Jackson, and five children, including former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced. His passing leaves a void in American civil rights leadership at a time when debates over racial justice, voting rights, and economic inequality remain central to national discourse.