Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

Tributes pour in for the longtime advocate and two-time presidential candidate

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a Baptist minister and longtime civil rights advocate who twice ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, has died at the age of 84. Jackson's family said he passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by loved ones. Jackson was a key figure in the civil rights movement, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and participating in pivotal moments like the Selma marches and the 1963 March on Washington. After leaving the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1971, he founded Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, advocating for economic empowerment and a broad alliance of marginalized communities. Jackson's presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 marked the strongest performances by a Black candidate at the time, paving the way for Barack Obama's historic 2008 victory.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement and American politics, using his platform to fight for racial and economic justice both domestically and globally. His presidential campaigns helped elevate the voices of marginalized communities and inspired generations of activists and leaders. His death marks the passing of a transformative leader who left an indelible mark on the country.

The details

Born Jesse Louis Burns in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson grew up in poverty in the segregated South. He joined the inner circle of Martin Luther King Jr. and worked with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as a young activist. After leaving the SCLC in 1971, Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in Chicago, focused on economic empowerment, and later launched the National Rainbow Coalition. The two groups eventually merged into the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, which he led for decades. Jackson's activism also extended internationally, as he spoke out against apartheid in South Africa, supported Palestinian statehood, and negotiated the release of hostages and prisoners in countries around the world.

  • Jackson was born on October 8, 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina.
  • He was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1968.
  • Jackson founded Operation PUSH in 1971 after leaving the SCLC.
  • He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.
  • Jackson served as a shadow senator for Washington, D.C. from 1991 to 1997.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A Baptist minister and longtime civil rights advocate who twice ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, in 1984 and 1988. He was a key figure in the civil rights movement, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and founding the Operation PUSH and National Rainbow Coalition organizations.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A Baptist minister and civil rights leader who worked closely with Jesse Jackson in the civil rights movement. King was assassinated in 1968.

Jacqueline Jackson

Jesse Jackson's wife of over 60 years, since 1962.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

One of Jesse Jackson's six children, and a former U.S. Congressman.

Jonathan Jackson

One of Jesse Jackson's six children, and a current U.S. Congressman.

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What they’re saying

“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world … We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”

— Jackson's Family

“He was a man of God and of the people. Determined and tenacious. Unafraid of the work to redeem the soul of our Nation. He influenced generations of Americans and believed deeply in equality.”

— Joe Biden, Former President

“He let us know our voices mattered. He instilled in us that we were somebody. And he widened the path for generations to follow in his footsteps and lead.”

— Kamala Harris, Vice President

What’s next

Public memorials are planned for Rev. Jesse Jackson in his hometown of Chicago.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's life and legacy as a civil rights pioneer, presidential candidate, and global advocate for justice and equality will continue to inspire new generations of activists and leaders in the ongoing fight for a more just and equitable society.