Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

Reverend was a defining force in the struggle for civil and human rights in the United States

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader who marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and ran for president in 1984 and 1988, died on February 17, 2026 at the age of 84. Jackson was the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and spent decades advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, including women, LGBTQ individuals, immigrants, and the poor.

Why it matters

Jackson was a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, continuing the work of Dr. King and expanding the fight for equality and justice to include a wide range of communities. His death marks the passing of a true pioneer and champion of human rights.

The details

Born in Greenville, South Carolina in 1941, Jackson marched with Dr. King in Selma and was present at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis when King was assassinated in 1968. In 1971, Jackson founded Operation PUSH to secure jobs, fair loans, and contracts for Black workers. Through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Jackson built a broad movement that advocated for the rights of women, LGBTQ people, immigrants, and the poor. His two presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 registered millions of new voters.

  • Reverend Jesse Jackson was born in 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina.
  • Jackson marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma in 1965.
  • Jackson was present at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis when Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.
  • Jackson founded Operation PUSH in 1971 to secure jobs, fair loans, and contracts for Black workers.
  • Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988.

The players

Reverend Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A legendary civil rights activist who led the movement for racial equality in the United States until his assassination in 1968.

Trey Walk

A US program researcher and advocate at Human Rights Watch.

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What they’re saying

“The United States is a better place because of Reverend Jesse Jackson. His commitment to human dignity for all fueled his trailblazing activism that brought justice for many who were suffering. We will miss Reverend Jackson. But we find comfort knowing his work to expand democracy and protect rights will endure.”

— Trey Walk, US program researcher and advocate at Human Rights Watch (Human Rights Watch)

The takeaway

Reverend Jesse Jackson's lifelong dedication to civil rights and human rights for all people, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or immigration status, made him a towering figure in American history. His work to expand democracy, protect the rights of marginalized communities, and champion economic justice will continue to inspire generations of activists and leaders to come.