UN Mourns Passing of Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson

Reverend Jackson was a longtime champion of human rights, equality and justice around the world.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The United Nations has expressed sadness over the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a giant of the civil rights movement in the United States and a longtime champion of human rights, equality and justice around the world. Jackson passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Jackson's powerful voice in the UN's work against racism, apartheid and for human rights.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, known for his activism, advocacy and moral leadership. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a global champion for equality, justice and human rights.

The details

In a visit to the United Nations in March 2018, Rev. Jackson spoke at an event marking the contributions of people of African descent worldwide and said racial idolatry "manifests itself in so many ways, even in our politics". He called for a "massive global coalition of conscience" to eliminate racial discrimination, saying "We've globalized capital, we've globalized technology [...] We must now globalize human rights: workers' rights; women's rights; children's rights; and environmental security. We must globalize all the values that make life 'life,' for everybody."

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Jackson visited the United Nations Headquarters in March 2018.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A giant of the civil rights movement in the United States and a longtime champion of human rights, equality and justice around the world.

António Guterres

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, who expressed sadness over the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson and praised his powerful voice in the UN's work.

Stéphane Dujarric

The Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, who told reporters in New York about Rev. Jackson's contributions and the UN's condolences.

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What they’re saying

“Reverend Jackson lent his powerful voice to the UN's work against racism, against apartheid and for human rights”

— Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General (UN News)

“We've globalized capital, we've globalized technology [...] We must now globalize human rights: workers' rights; women's rights; children's rights; and environmental security. We must globalize all the values that make life 'life,' for everybody.”

— Rev. Jesse Jackson (UN News)

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's passing marks the loss of a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and a global champion for equality, justice and human rights. His powerful voice and moral leadership will be deeply missed on the world stage.