Jesse Jackson is an American civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and longtime political activist.
He rose to national prominence in the 1960s as a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. and later built his own organizations, most notably Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition (now the Rainbow PUSH Coalition).
Jackson became one of the most visible Black political figures in the United States, advocating for voting rights, economic justice, labor unions, and U.S. diplomacy on behalf of political prisoners and hostages abroad.
He also made history with two serious presidential campaigns, in 1984 and 1988, helping expand Black and progressive participation in national politics.
During his lifetime, Jesse Jackson was involved in several controversies that often drew intense public attention.
One of the most serious occurred during his 1984 presidential campaign, when he referred to New York City as “Hymietown” and used the slur “hymie” while speaking privately to reporters about Jewish people.
Jackson initially denied making the remarks, but after they became public, he apologized.
The incident caused widespread outrage and damaged his relationship with many Jewish leaders, and it remained a defining controversy of his political career.
Jackson also faced criticism for his relationship with Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam.
Farrakhan had made repeated antisemitic statements, and Jackson’s reluctance at times to clearly distance himself from him drew backlash from civil rights groups, political allies, and Jewish organizations.
Although Jackson later condemned antisemitism, critics argued that his association with Farrakhan undermined his message of unity.
Jesse Jackson died at age 84 on Tuesday at his home in Chicago, according to his family. They said he died peacefully and did not give a specific cause of death.
In the final years of his life, Jackson struggled with a serious neurological illness.
He had announced in 2017 that he had Parkinson’s disease, which affects movement and speech.
In November 2025, he was hospitalized in Chicago due to complications related to his PSP diagnosis.
His Rainbow PUSH Coalition said he was under observation for PSP, which he had been managing for more than a decade.
In mid-November 2025, he was moved out of the ICU at Northwestern Memorial Hospital as his condition stabilized, but he remained under medical care.
Jackson continued to decline slowly in health after his 2025 hospitalization. By early 2026, he was receiving care at home surrounded by family.
Reports said he had been dealing with infections and complications consistent with PSP progression, although a specific cause of death wasn’t officially released by his family.
Following his passing, many praised his decades-long commitment to equality, his role in expanding American democracy, and his ability to inspire people across generations to fight for justice and dignity.
In the official Facebook page of Barack Obama, he and Michelle Obama shared a heartfelt message mourning the death of the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
They described him as a true giant whose lifetime of service helped shape the civil rights movement and made future generations of leadership possible.
Although he passed away, his voice, vision, and lifelong commitment to civil rights continue to resonate across communities.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jesse Jackson’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest in Peace, Legend.
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