Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

The reverend and two-time presidential candidate was a key figure in the civil rights movement.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader who ran for president twice, died on Tuesday at the age of 84. Jackson's life and career ran parallel to the successes and controversies of the civil rights era, from witnessing the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 to becoming the first major Black candidate to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, using his platform to advocate for racial justice, economic empowerment, and political representation for marginalized communities. His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 helped pave the way for future Black candidates and inspired a new generation of activists.

The details

Jackson was 26 years old and a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. when he witnessed King's assassination in 1968 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. In 1984, Jackson became the first major Black candidate to seek the Democratic presidential nomination, finishing third behind Walter Mondale. His 1988 campaign built on that momentum, winning 13 state contests and nearly 7 million votes before finishing second to Michael Dukakis. Jackson's campaigns were marked by controversy at times, including his use of an antisemitic slur and his ties to figures like Louis Farrakhan.

  • On April 4, 1968, Jackson was in the Lorraine Motel parking lot when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
  • In 1984, Jackson launched his first campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
  • In 1988, Jackson ran for president again, winning 13 state contests and nearly 7 million votes.
  • In 2008, Jackson created a distraction for Barack Obama's campaign by criticizing Obama's rhetoric towards African Americans.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and two-time candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Martin Luther King Jr.

The renowned civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968, an event that brought Jackson to national prominence.

Walter Mondale

The former vice president who won the 1984 Democratic presidential nomination, defeating Jackson.

Michael Dukakis

The Massachusetts governor who won the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, defeating Jackson.

Barack Obama

The first Black president of the United States, who was criticized by Jackson during his 2008 campaign.

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What they’re saying

“This is the scene of the crucifixion,”

— Jesse Jackson (The New York Times)

“If I have caused anyone discomfort, created pain or revived someone's fears, that was not my truest self. Charge it to my head, not to my heart.”

— Jesse Jackson (The New York Times)

“Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive!”

— Jesse Jackson (The New York Times)

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's life and career were inextricably linked to the civil rights movement, from witnessing the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. to becoming the first major Black candidate to seek the Democratic presidential nomination. His campaigns inspired a new generation of activists and helped pave the way for future Black political leaders, even as they were at times marred by controversy.