Reverend Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Icon and Presidential Trailblazer, Dies at 84
London, 17 February 2026 – The Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and a protégé of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the Baptist minister passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Jackson, who twice sought the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, had been in declining health for several years and was recently hospitalised for a severe neurodegenerative condition.
A Legacy of Activism and Political Force
Born in 1941 in the segregated South, Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. rose to prominence in the 1960s as a key lieutenant to Martin Luther King Jr. within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Following King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson moved to Chicago, where he founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971 to advocate for black economic empowerment.
In 1984, he founded the National Rainbow Coalition, an organisation designed to unite various disadvantaged groups—including racial minorities, the poor, and the working class—into a potent political bloc. The two organisations later merged to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Jackson remained at the helm of this organisation for over five decades until stepping down in July 2023 due to his health.
Breaking Barriers in the White House Race
Jackson’s presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 were historic, shattering previous expectations for African American candidates. His 1988 run was particularly significant, as he won several state primaries and caucuses, finishing second in the delegate count. His “Rainbow Coalition” platform was noted for its early and vocal support for gay rights and its focus on the “disenfranchised” of all backgrounds, fundamentally reshaping the modern Democratic Party’s electoral strategy.
Key Facts: The Life of Jesse Jackson
The following table outlines the significant milestones and details of Reverend Jackson’s life and career as recorded in historical archives.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. |
| Date of Birth | 8 October 1941 |
| Date of Death | 17 February 2026 |
| Age at Death | 84 |
| Major Organisations | Operation PUSH (1971), National Rainbow Coalition (1984) |
| Presidential Bids | 1984 and 1988 (Democratic Party) |
| Health Condition | Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of Jesse Jackson’s death?
While a specific cause of death was not immediately confirmed by the family, Jackson had been battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare and severe neurodegenerative disorder. He had been hospitalised since November for treatment related to the condition.
When did he step down from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition?
Reverend Jackson officially stepped down as the leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in July 2023, citing his declining health as the primary reason for his retirement from active leadership.
What was the “Rainbow Coalition”?
The Rainbow Coalition was a social justice organisation founded by Jackson in 1984. It aimed to bring together a diverse group of voters—including African Americans, Hispanics, women, and the poor—to demand social and economic equality. It eventually merged with Operation PUSH in 1996.