Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

The pioneering activist and two-time presidential candidate reshaped the Democratic Party and inspired generations of Americans.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, a towering civil rights leader whose moral vision and fiery oratory reshaped the Democratic Party and America, has died at the age of 84. Jackson, a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., rose from humble beginnings in the Jim Crow South to become a transformative figure in the civil rights movement, mounting two groundbreaking presidential campaigns in the 1980s that inspired Black America and paved the way for future leaders like Barack Obama.

Why it matters

Jackson's Rainbow Coalition, a bold alliance of diverse groups, helped move the Democratic Party in a more progressive direction. His presidential runs broke down barriers and showed that a Black candidate could be a viable contender, paving the way for Obama's historic election. Jackson remained a prominent civil rights leader for over five decades, bridging the movements of the 1960s with the modern era of racial justice.

The details

Born to an unwed teenage mother in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson overcame a difficult childhood to become a close aide to Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. After King's assassination, Jackson emerged as one of the most prominent civil rights leaders in America, founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and mounting two trailblazing presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 that stunned political observers. Despite facing criticism and personal scandals, Jackson continued to be a tireless advocate for social justice until his death.

  • Jackson was born on October 8, 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina.
  • He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in the early 1970s.
  • Jackson ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.
  • He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.
  • Jackson announced plans to step down as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 2023.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A pioneering civil rights leader, two-time presidential candidate, and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition who dedicated his life to fighting for racial and social justice.

Martin Luther King Jr.

The iconic civil rights leader and Baptist minister who was a mentor to Jackson and led the movement for racial equality in the 1950s and 1960s.

Barack Obama

The first African American president of the United States, whose historic 2008 election victory was in part made possible by the groundwork laid by Jackson's presidential campaigns.

Kamala Harris

The first Black woman to be nominated for national office by a major U.S. political party, as the 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate, a milestone that Jackson's work helped pave the way for.

Jacqueline Jackson

Jesse Jackson's wife of over 60 years, who was a dynamic and strong-willed partner in his life and activism.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our flag is red, white and blue, but our nation is a rainbow – red, yellow, brown, Black and White – and we're all precious in God's sight.”

— Rev. Jesse Jackson

“Jesse was an unusual kind of fella, even when he was just learning to talk. He would say, 'I'm going to lead people through the rivers of the water.'”

— Noah Robinson, Jesse Jackson's father (The New York Times)

“It turned out he not only held his own; he often won those debates.”

— David Masciotra, Author of 'I Am Somebody: Why Jesse Jackson Matters'

“I cried because I thought about those who made it possible who were not there. People who paid a real price: Ralph Abernathy, Dr. King, Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer… those in the movement in the South.”

— Rev. Jesse Jackson

What’s next

Jackson's family and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition are planning a public memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy.

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's life and work left an indelible mark on American politics and the civil rights movement. His pioneering presidential campaigns, multiracial 'Rainbow Coalition,' and tireless advocacy for social justice paved the way for a more diverse and progressive Democratic Party and inspired generations of activists and leaders, including Barack Obama and Kamala Harris.