The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. has died at the age of 84, his family announced on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Jackson passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago, surrounded by close family, bringing to a close the life of one of America’s most influential civil rights leaders. His passing marks a significant moment in the history of the struggle for racial justice and equality in the United States.
Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose from modest beginnings in the segregated South to become a central figure in the American civil rights movement. A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he was deeply involved in the movement of the 1960s, participating in key campaigns for voting rights, economic justice, and social equality. Jackson was present in major demonstrations, including the marches in Selma and Memphis, and helped lead efforts to desegregate American society and expand opportunities for Black Americans and other marginalised groups.
In 1971, Jackson founded Operation PUSH, a Chicago‑based organisation aimed at improving economic conditions for Black communities. He later merged it with the Rainbow Coalition to form the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, which championed diversity, voting rights, corporate accountability, and social justice. Through boycotts, public campaigns, and negotiation with business leaders, Jackson pressed for real change in hiring practices and civil rights protections.
Jackson was also a pioneering political figure. He twice sought the Democratic presidential nomination, in 1984 and 1988, energising millions of voters and breaking new ground for Black candidates in national politics. His campaigns emphasised economic justice, civil liberties, and inclusion, helping expand political engagement among disenfranchised communities.
Despite declining health in his later years, including battles with Parkinson’s disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Jackson remained a moral voice on issues of racial equity, human rights, and democratic participation. His death has drawn tributes from leaders across the political spectrum, with many recognising his decades of activism and his lasting impact on American society.
Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Jackson, their five children, and extended family. Tributes continue to pour in, reflecting on a life dedicated to justice, unity, and the persistent pursuit of equality.
