Civil Rights Leader and Media Advocate Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

Jackson was a prominent figure in the fight for greater minority media ownership and access.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a renowned civil rights leader and advocate for greater media access and minority ownership, has passed away at the age of 84 in his home in Chicago. Jackson had been battling progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder, for several years.

Why it matters

Jackson was a pioneering figure in the civil rights movement and a tireless advocate for increasing diversity and representation in the media industry. As the leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he lobbied the FCC on issues of minority media ownership, helping to shape policies and regulations around media access and ownership.

The details

Throughout his decades-long career, Jackson was a prominent voice for social justice and equity. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1996, which worked to promote civil rights, voter registration, and economic empowerment in underserved communities. As part of this work, Jackson advocated extensively for greater minority representation and ownership in the media industry, pressing the FCC to implement policies supporting this goal.

  • Jackson passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 at his home in Chicago.
  • He had been battling progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder, for several years prior to his death.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A renowned civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, who was a prominent advocate for increasing minority media ownership and access.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition

An organization founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson that worked to promote civil rights, voter registration, and economic empowerment in underserved communities, with a focus on increasing minority representation and ownership in the media industry.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jesse Jackson was a tireless champion for civil rights and media diversity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”

— Reverend Al Sharpton, Civil Rights Activist (Chicago Tribune)

“Rev. Jackson's unwavering commitment to social justice and equity transformed the media landscape. He will be deeply missed.”

— FCC Commissioner Gigi Sohn (NPR)

What’s next

Jackson's funeral and memorial services are expected to take place in the coming days, drawing civil rights leaders and media industry figures from across the country to honor his legacy.

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era, but his lifelong work to increase diversity and representation in the media will continue to shape the industry for years to come. His advocacy and activism have left an indelible mark on the fight for social justice and equity.