Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84, Leaving Legacy of Activism
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a monumental leader in the American Civil Rights Movement who dedicated his life to advocating for the poor and underrepresented, has died at the age of 84. His daughter, Sanita Jackson, confirmed that he passed away peacefully at home in Chicago on Tuesday, surrounded by his loving family.
A Servant Leader Remembered
In an emotional online statement, the Jackson family described him as "a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world." They expressed gratitude that "the world became part of our extended family" through his lifelong work.
Fellow civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, who considered Jackson his mentor, paid tribute on Facebook, calling him "a consequential and transformative leader who changed this nation and the world." Sharpton added, "He kept the dream alive and taught young children from broken homes, like me, that we don't have broken spirits. A giant has gone home."
From Student Activist to National Figure
Born in Greenville, South Carolina on October 8, 1941, Jackson's journey into activism began during his college years. After transferring to North Carolina A&T, where he excelled as both a quarterback and student leader, he immersed himself in the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement.
In 1965, Jackson moved to Chicago to work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helping launch Operation Breadbasket—an initiative designed to pressure companies to hire Black workers. He worked alongside King for four transformative years before the civil rights leader's tragic assassination in 1968.
Building Institutions for Change
Jackson continued King's work through organizational leadership. In 1971, he founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), an organization with a sweeping mission that included:
- Diversifying corporate workforces through lawsuits and boycott threats
- Registering voters in communities of color across the United States
- Advocating for economic opportunities and social justice
Jackson became famous for his "I am Somebody" declaration—a poem he frequently recited to affirm human dignity regardless of circumstance: "I may be poor, but I am Somebody; I may be young; but I am Somebody; I may be on welfare, but I am Somebody."
Presidential Aspirations and Lasting Impact
Long before Barack Obama's presidency, Jackson made two historic runs for the Democratic presidential nomination. His 1988 campaign was particularly successful, winning 13 primaries and caucuses. His "Keep Hope Alive" slogan became a rallying cry for supporters.
During a 1988 interview, U.S. Representative John Lewis noted that Jackson's campaigns "opened some doors that some minority person will be able to walk through and become president." Jackson also played a key role in advocating for the term "African American" to replace "Black" in common usage during the late 1980s.
Later Years and Health Challenges
In his final years, Jackson faced significant health challenges, including a rare neurological disorder that affected his speech and mobility. Despite these difficulties, he remained engaged in social justice causes, protesting racial injustice during the Black Lives Matter era and appearing at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; their children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline; daughter Ashley Jackson; and numerous grandchildren. His legacy as a champion for voting rights, job opportunities, education, healthcare, and Black pride continues to inspire generations of activists worldwide.
