CAIR Remembers Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson

CAIR-Chicago and CAIR National honor Jackson's lifelong commitment to racial equality, economic fairness, and human rights.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) and its National chapter (CAIR) today offered condolences on the passing of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, honoring his lifelong commitment to racial equality, economic fairness, and human rights. As founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Rev. Jackson built a Chicago-based movement rooted in multiracial, interfaith solidarity, and his work reflected a belief that justice must be pursued both locally and globally.

Why it matters

Rev. Jackson's moral clarity and support for causes of justice around the world, including the freedom of the Palestinian people, made him a key ally of the American Muslim community. As a civil rights organization grounded in faith and community, CAIR-Chicago honors Rev. Jackson's legacy by continuing the work of protecting the vulnerable, building bridges across communities, and advancing human rights.

The details

In a joint statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad and CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab said Rev. Jackson's historic life was a testament to what one committed person can do to advance civil rights, racial equality, and economic fairness for all people. They noted that Rev. Jackson frequently joined CAIR and the Muslim community in promoting justice, including as the keynote speaker at CAIR-Chicago's 2011 Annual Gala.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026.

The players

Nihad Awad

CAIR National Executive Director.

Ahmed Rehab

CAIR-Chicago Executive Director.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Civil rights icon and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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What they’re saying

“We join the American Muslim community in extending our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Reverend Jesse Jackson. His historic life was a testament to what one committed person can do to advance civil rights, racial equality, and economic fairness for all people.”

— Nihad Awad and Ahmed Rehab, CAIR National Executive Director and CAIR-Chicago Executive Director

“Rev. Jackson's moral clarity extended beyond the struggle for civil rights in our nation. He consistently voiced support for causes of justice around the world, including the freedom of the Palestinian people from oppression and occupation.”

— Nihad Awad and Ahmed Rehab, CAIR National Executive Director and CAIR-Chicago Executive Director

“Rev. Jesse Jackson leaves behind a towering legacy. May his memory continue to inspire new generations of Americans of all faiths and backgrounds to stand up, speak out, and work together for a more just and inclusive society.”

— Nihad Awad and Ahmed Rehab, CAIR National Executive Director and CAIR-Chicago Executive Director

What’s next

Community members experiencing civil rights injustices are encouraged to seek help at cairchicago.org/get-help.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's lifelong commitment to racial equality, economic fairness, and human rights, including his support for the Palestinian people, made him a key ally of the American Muslim community. CAIR-Chicago and CAIR National honor his legacy by continuing the work of protecting the vulnerable, building bridges across communities, and advancing human rights.