The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, died peacefully Tuesday morning at the age of 84, surrounded by his family.
In a statement, his family shared their sorrow, honoring Jackson as a steadfast champion for justice and the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. They noted that his lifelong commitment to equality and human rights helped inspire a worldwide pursuit of freedom and dignity.
Born Jesse Louis Burns in 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson was raised in the segregated South during the Jim Crow era. He rose to national prominence as a close collaborator of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., working alongside him during pivotal moments of the 1960s civil rights movement. In the years that followed, Jackson established the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and became a two-time candidate for President of the United States, expanding the political voice of marginalized communities.
In April 2025, Jackson was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder. He was later hospitalized in November of that year as his health declined.
He is survived by his wife of more than six decades, Jacqueline, and their children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline, as well as his daughter Ashley Jackson and numerous grandchildren.
Memorial services are expected to take place in Chicago. Details regarding public observances and final arrangements will be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition on its official website and through dedicated memorial channels.
