The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader, Baptist minister and two-time U.S. presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84. His family announced his death on Saturday. The family said he died in Chicago. The cause of death was not immediately released.
Jackson became a national figure in the 1960s as a young aide and ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He worked with King in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He took part in marches and campaigns that challenged racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. He was present in Memphis in April 1968 when King was assassinated.
Jackson later founded and led Operation PUSH in Chicago in 1971. The group sought to expand economic and educational opportunities for Black Americans and other marginalized communities. The organization focused on voter registration, corporate accountability and fair hiring practices. It urged major companies to increase the number of Black employees and to invest in underserved neighborhoods.
Operation PUSH later merged with the National Rainbow Coalition. Jackson became president of the combined group, known as the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. The organization based its headquarters in Chicago. It promoted voting rights, economic justice and social equity. It built alliances among Black, Latino, labor and progressive groups across the country.
Jackson entered national electoral politics in the 1980s. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984. His campaign drew support from many Black voters, young voters and progressive Democrats. He promoted what he called a “Rainbow Coalition” of diverse constituencies. He called for civil rights enforcement, economic reforms and cuts to military spending. He finished third in the 1984 Democratic primary contest and delivered a widely noted speech at the party’s national convention.
Jackson ran again for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988. His second campaign gained more votes and delegates than his first. He won several state primaries and caucuses. He became the first Black candidate to mount a strong, nationwide campaign for a major party’s presidential nomination. He finished second to Michael Dukakis, who became the Democratic nominee that year.
Jackson engaged in international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. He traveled abroad on several missions that combined advocacy and negotiation. He helped secure the release of Americans held abroad in countries such as Syria, Iraq and Yugoslavia. He met with foreign leaders and argued for peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
Jackson received numerous honors and awards during his public life. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000. Colleges and universities invited him to speak at commencements and public forums. Community organizations recognized his long involvement in civil rights and social justice campaigns.
In later years Jackson disclosed health challenges. He revealed a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2017. He continued to appear at public events and lead Rainbow/PUSH activities. He promoted COVID-19 vaccination and other public health measures. He scaled back some of his travel and public speaking as his condition advanced.
Rainbow/PUSH Coalition continued its work during his illness. The group focused on voting rights, economic inclusion and educational initiatives. It hosted annual conferences in Chicago that drew political, business and religious figures. Jackson often attended and addressed these gatherings, sometimes with assistance due to his health.
Jackson’s death marks the passing of one of the last nationally known civil rights leaders who worked directly with Martin Luther King Jr. His public career spanned more than six decades. His work covered church leadership, street protests, electoral politics, media commentary and international negotiations. His family, colleagues and public officials issued statements noting his role in major civil rights battles, his presidential campaigns and his leadership of Rainbow/PUSH in Chicago.
Funeral plans and public memorial details were not immediately announced. The family said information on services would be released later.