Central Florida Leaders Mourn Loss of Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson

The longtime activist dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality across the U.S. and the world.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Central Florida leaders are remembering the profound impact of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the longtime civil rights activist who died at the age of 84. Jackson spent decades advocating for justice and equality around the U.S. and the world, and his efforts touched the lives of many in the Central Florida region, inspiring leaders to continue fighting for what is right.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a pioneering figure in the civil rights movement, founding organizations like the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to uplift Black communities. His passing is a significant loss for the nation, but his legacy of service and advocacy will continue to inspire leaders in Central Florida and beyond to keep fighting for racial justice and equality.

The details

Jackson, who had a rare neurological disorder, died Tuesday morning at his home in Chicago surrounded by family. Central Florida leaders, including Tanisha Nunn Gary of the African American Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Lantz Mills of Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, remembered Jackson's profound impact on the community through his work with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and his visits to the region, including after the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson died on February 17, 2026.
  • Jackson visited Orlando in 2020 during the presidential campaign season.
  • Jackson visited Orlando after the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A longtime civil rights activist who dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality across the U.S. and the world. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and was a pioneering figure in the civil rights movement.

Tanisha Nunn Gary

The CEO and president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, who personally knew Rev. Jesse Jackson and remembered his profound impact on the community.

Dr. Lantz Mills

The pastor at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando, who hosted Rev. Jesse Jackson when he visited the congregation in 2020 during the presidential campaign season.

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What they’re saying

“I had the honor of personally knowing him. He dedicated his life, as we know, to justice, equality and service. So, this loss is profound, not only for Central Florida, but our country and, dare I say, the world.”

— Tanisha Nunn Gary, CEO and president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (wesh.com)

“He allowed us to see a man who, despite his upbringing from South Carolina, despite what he went through growing up, he wanted us to see a man who had been in the thick of it all through civil rights, through boycotts, through sit-ins, through marching, you know, all the way through becoming a businessman, establishing himself, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, all of those things he became, in spite of he exceeded expectations.”

— Dr. Lantz Mills, Pastor at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando (wesh.com)

What’s next

The legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson's life and work will continue to inspire leaders in Central Florida and across the country to keep fighting for racial justice and equality.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's passing is a profound loss for the nation, but his lifelong dedication to civil rights and his impact on communities like Central Florida will ensure his legacy lives on. His example of persistent advocacy and service will continue to motivate others to take up the mantle of the fight for justice.