Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

The longtime activist and former presidential candidate was a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. and transformed the possibilities for Black politicians.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a barrier-breaking presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84 after years of declining health. Jackson, who was a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., spent six decades as a prominent civil rights leader, using his famous call-and-response chant of "I am... somebody" to inspire crowds. Despite facing personal controversies, Jackson's work to "transform the mind of America" left a lasting impact, paving the way for future Black politicians like Barack Obama.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson was one of the most influential and recognizable civil rights leaders after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. His two presidential campaigns in the 1980s showed what was possible for Black politicians on the national stage, and he continued his activism and advocacy work for decades, using his powerful oratory skills to champion racial justice and equality.

The details

Born in segregated South Carolina, Jackson joined King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1965 and was present when King was assassinated in 1968. Jackson then styled himself as King's successor, leading the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and running for president in 1984 and 1988, earning 10 million votes across the two campaigns. While his political career faced some controversies, including an extramarital affair and his son's conviction for misusing campaign funds, Jackson remained a towering figure in the fight for civil rights until his death.

  • Jesse Jackson was born in 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina.
  • In 1965, Jackson joined Martin Luther King Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
  • Jackson witnessed King's assassination in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968.
  • Jackson was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1968.
  • Jackson ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader and former presidential candidate who was a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. and spent six decades advocating for racial justice and equality.

Martin Luther King Jr.

The iconic civil rights leader whose assassination in 1968 led Jackson to style himself as King's successor.

Barack Obama

The first Black president of the United States, who credited Jackson with laying the foundation for his own political success.

Jacqueline Jackson

Jesse Jackson's wife of 62 years, who was at his side when he passed away.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

Jesse Jackson's son, a former U.S. Representative who was sentenced to 30 months in prison for misusing campaign funds.

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What they’re saying

“You never know how big a tree is until it lies down.”

— Jonathan Jackson, Son of Jesse Jackson (PEOPLE)

“He saw somebody in every human being. He taught us not to complain and comply but to courageously resist.”

— Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., Longtime friend of Jesse Jackson (PEOPLE)

“He was a pioneer. He knew his cause... His whole objective was, 'I'm coming his way to make humanity better and for humanity to come together and look after each other.'”

— Rev. Carl Johnson, Friend of Jesse Jackson (PEOPLE)

What’s next

Funeral services for Jesse Jackson are ongoing in Chicago, drawing numerous supporters to honor his legacy as a civil rights icon.

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's life and work as a civil rights leader and presidential candidate transformed the possibilities for Black politicians and activists, inspiring generations to continue the fight for racial justice and equality in America.