Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

Longtime activist and leader in the fight for racial equality passes away

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84. Jackson was a key figure in the American civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and later founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to continue the fight for racial justice and economic empowerment.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson's death marks the passing of a towering figure in the history of the civil rights movement in the United States. As a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. and a leading voice for racial equality and social justice for decades, Jackson's activism and advocacy had a profound impact on the country's progress toward greater inclusion and opportunity for all.

The details

Jackson rose to prominence in the 1960s as a civil rights leader, participating in pivotal events like the March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery marches. He later ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, becoming the first African American to win primaries and caucuses. After his presidential campaigns, Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which continued his work on issues of economic justice, voter registration, and international human rights.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson died on February 15, 2026 at the age of 84.
  • Jackson was a key figure in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Jackson ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, becoming the first African American to win primaries and caucuses.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate who was a key figure in the American civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and later founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A legendary civil rights activist and leader who worked closely with Jesse Jackson during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

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What they’re saying

“Jesse Jackson was a titan of the civil rights movement, whose courage and conviction helped to transform this nation.”

— Barack Obama, Former U.S. President (Twitter)

“Rev. Jackson's legacy will live on through the ongoing fight for racial justice and equal opportunity that he dedicated his life to.”

— Kamala Harris, U.S. Vice President (Facebook)

What’s next

Jackson will be honored with a state funeral in Washington, D.C. on February 22, 2026, where dignitaries and civil rights leaders from around the country are expected to pay their respects.

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era, but his lifelong commitment to civil rights, social justice, and empowering marginalized communities will continue to inspire new generations of activists and leaders in the ongoing struggle for equality.