Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

Jackson was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. and led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King's assassination.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rev. Jesse Jackson, an influential civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and politician who dedicated his life to fighting for racial equality and social justice, died on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84. Jackson was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. and continued to lead the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King's assassination.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement and his death marks the passing of one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the 20th century. Jackson's activism and two presidential campaigns in the 1980s helped reshape Democratic politics and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

The details

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jesse Jackson grew up in a racially segregated America and these experiences fueled his lifelong commitment to fighting for racial equality and social justice. Jackson was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. and was standing next to King when he was assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968. Jackson went on to lead the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King's death, including organizing boycotts, marches, and voter registration drives.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina.
  • Jackson was standing next to Martin Luther King Jr. when King was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
  • Jackson died on February 17, 2026 at the age of 84.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

An influential civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and politician who dedicated his life to fighting for racial equality and social justice. He was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. and continued to lead the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King's assassination.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A prominent leader in the African-American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Jackson was a protege of King and was standing next to him when he was killed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.”

— The Jackson Family (Culver City Observer)

“He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed!”

— President Donald Trump (Culver City Observer)

What’s next

Public commemorations for Rev. Jesse Jackson will take place in Chicago.

The takeaway

The passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson marks the end of an era for the Civil Rights Movement. His lifelong dedication to fighting for racial equality and social justice left an indelible mark on the country, and his legacy will continue to inspire new generations of activists and leaders.