TDCivil rights icon and former U.S. presidential candidate, Jesse Jackson, has died at the age of 84.
Jackson, a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was a towering figure in America’s civil rights movement for more than six decades.
He founded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, championed voting rights, economic justice, and racial equality.
He twice ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 1980s, breaking barriers for African Americans in national politics.
His passing marks the end of an era for civil rights advocacy, leaving behind a legacy of activism, leadership, and global influence.
A Lifelong Champion of Civil Rights
Jesse Jackson’s passing at 84 marks the end of a remarkable era in American civil rights history.
From his early days as a close aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to his own leadership of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Jackson dedicated his life to fighting racial injustice, poverty, and inequality.
Jackson twice ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 1980s.
He became one of the first African Americans to mount a serious campaign for the White House.
His candidacies inspired millions and paved the way for greater Black representation in U.S. politics.
Global Influence
Beyond America, Jackson was a respected international voice.
He mediated conflicts, advocated for oppressed peoples, and worked tirelessly to promote peace and justice worldwide.
His activism extended from South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle to humanitarian efforts in the Middle East.
His legacy of advocacy includes:
- Voting Rights: He championed expanded access to the ballot for marginalized communities.
- Economic Justice: He pushed for fair wages, equal opportunity, and corporate accountability.
- Youth Empowerment: Through Rainbow/PUSH, he mentored generations of activists and leaders.
Remembering His Words
Jackson’s speeches often carried a message of hope and resilience.
His famous refrain, “Keep hope alive!”, became a rallying cry for those striving for justice and equality.
Tributes are pouring in from across the political spectrum, with leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens recognizing his immense contributions.
His death leaves a void in the civil rights movement, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Jesse Jackson: A Timeline of His Defining Moments
Early Life and Civil Rights Beginnings
- 1941: Born in Greenville, South Carolina.
- 1960s: Joined the civil rights movement, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
- 1968: Present in Memphis during King’s assassination, a moment that deeply shaped his lifelong activism.
Founding Rainbow/PUSH Coalition
- 1971: Established Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in Chicago, focusing on economic empowerment and social justice.
- 1984: Merged with the National Rainbow Coalition, creating the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, which became a major platform for civil rights advocacy.
Presidential Campaigns
- 1984: Ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first African American to mount a serious national campaign.
- 1988: Ran again, winning several primaries and caucuses, and securing millions of votes. His campaigns broke barriers and inspired future generations of Black politicians.
Global Diplomacy and Advocacy
- 1990s: Played a role in international diplomacy, negotiating the release of hostages in Syria, Iraq, and Cuba.
- Advocated against apartheid in South Africa and supported global human rights causes.
Later Years and Recognition
- 2000s–2010s: Continued activism through Rainbow/PUSH, focusing on youth empowerment, voting rights, and economic justice.
- 2017: Publicly revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, but remained active in advocacy.
- 2026: Passed away at age 84, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and hope.
Jackson’s mantra, “Keep hope alive!”, remains a rallying cry for justice and equality.
His life’s work bridged the struggles of the civil rights era with modern movements for social and economic empowerment.
