Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies at 84

Jackson was a prominent voice for equality who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and ran for president twice

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Jesse Jackson, a South Carolina native who became one of the nation's most prominent civil rights leaders and a two-time presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84. Jackson rose from humble beginnings to become a leading voice for equality, working with national advocates including Martin Luther King Jr. and local organizations to fight segregation, voter suppression, economic inequality and systemic racial discrimination.

Why it matters

Jackson's death marks the passing of a towering figure in the civil rights movement. As the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he was a driving force in the fight for racial justice and economic opportunity for marginalized communities. His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 also helped pave the way for greater Black political representation.

The details

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1971, an organization focused on building political power and expanding economic opportunity. He was a regular participant in civil rights efforts across South Carolina, encouraging students at historically Black colleges to register to vote and see themselves as future leaders. Jackson also achieved international objectives, helping to secure the release of dozens of hostages and prisoners in situations where the U.S. government had been unable to do so.

  • Jesse Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina.
  • In 1971, Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
  • Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988, becoming one of the first Black candidates to build a viable national campaign.
  • In 2015, Jackson visited the Clinton College campus in South Carolina.
  • Jesse Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A South Carolina native who became one of the nation's most prominent civil rights leaders and a two-time presidential candidate.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A national civil rights advocate with whom Jackson worked.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition

An organization founded by Jackson in 1971 that focused on building political power and expanding economic opportunity for marginalized communities.

J.T. McLawhorn

CEO and president of the Columbia Urban League, who described Jackson as a "global diplomat".

Pamela Wilks

President of Clinton College, who said Jackson's work and advocacy contributed heavily to long-fought progress in the community.

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What they’re saying

“His work, his advocacy; It contributed heavily to the long fought progress we're trying to preserve right now.”

— Zakiya Mickle, Advocate and lobbyist (wach.com)

“I consider him a global diplomat. Look at him, he should have received the Nobel peace prize because I think a lot of people look at Dr. Jackson as someone who only promoted equal opportunity in the south, but he was a global person.”

— J.T. McLawhorn, CEO and president of the Columbia Urban League (wach.com)

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era for the civil rights movement. As a prominent voice for equality, his work and advocacy had a lasting impact not only nationally but also locally in South Carolina, where he remained deeply engaged with communities and institutions. Jackson's legacy as a global diplomat and champion for the marginalized will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and activists.