Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

The renowned activist and former presidential candidate was a prominent voice for social and economic justice.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 3:19pm

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a pioneering civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate, passed away on February 17 at the age of 84. Jackson was known for his tireless advocacy for the rights of marginalized communities and his efforts to bridge racial divides. He rose to prominence in the 1960s as a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and later founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to continue the fight for equality and economic opportunity.

Why it matters

Jackson's death marks the passing of a towering figure in the civil rights movement, leaving Andrew Young as the most prominent living survivor of that era. Jackson's powerful voice and vision helped amplify the concerns of Americans who felt unseen and unheard for generations, and his legacy continues to shape ongoing debates over issues like poverty, voting rights, and economic inequality.

The details

The article recounts a personal encounter the author had with Jackson 15 years ago, when the civil rights leader visited the Des Moines Register's offices to discuss his concerns about the country's safety net and the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor. Jackson warned that the nation was backsliding from the progress of the 1960s, and he urged leaders and citizens to protect programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare.

  • Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026.
  • The author's encounter with Jackson occurred about 15 years ago, around 2011.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A pioneering civil rights leader, two-time presidential candidate, and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, who dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and bridging racial divides.

Andrew Young

A civil rights leader and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, who is now the most prominent living survivor of the tumultuous civil rights era of the 1960s.

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What they’re saying

“One thing he taught all of us was to keep hope alive, even in the midst of all this madness we have to deal with now.”

— Rev. Wendell Anthony (Detroit Free Press)

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a tireless advocate for social and economic justice continues to shape ongoing debates over the country's safety net, voting rights, and the persistent gap between the wealthy and the poor. His message of hope and determination in the face of adversity remains a powerful inspiration for those who carry on his fight for a more equitable and inclusive America.