CULTURE

Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader, Dies at 84

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Chicago — The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a civil rights leader and founder of Rainbow/PUSH, died Tuesday at age 84, his family said. Jackson rose to prominence alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s, ran for Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, and advocated for voting rights, economic justice and political participation for decades. His family said he died peacefully surrounded by relatives; earlier statements noted Parkinson’s disease and a later diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy. News organizations reported his death and highlighted his activism and diplomatic roles this week. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

1941 - Jesse Louis Burns (later Jackson) born in Greenville, South Carolina.
1960s - Became a civil rights organizer and worked with Martin Luther King Jr.; present in Memphis in 1968.
1984 and 1988 - Mounted Democratic presidential campaigns, increasing minority political engagement.
2017 - Publicly disclosed a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
2025–2026 - PSP diagnosis reported April 2025, hospitalization in November 2025; family announced his death on Feb. 17, 2026.

Why This Matters to You

Jesse Jackson's life was about rights and community. His work increased minority political participation. His death is a reminder to value and protect these gains. Today, check if your voter registration is up-to-date.

The Bottom Line

Jackson's legacy is a testament to the power of activism. He fought for economic justice and voting rights. His death marks the end of an era, but his impact lives on. Worth forwarding if you believe in the power of one voice to make a difference.