Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. has died at the age of 84, his family and mainstream news outlets have reported.
The civil rights leader, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
The 84 year old had faced health challenges in later years, including Parkinson’s disease and a rare brain disorder and had been hospitalized recently due to complications.
He is survived by his wife Jacqueline and their children.
Jackson rose to prominence as a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marching in key campaigns and continuing the struggle for justice after King’s assassination.
He founded Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, advocating for racial and economic equality for decades.
Jackson was one of the first Black Americans to gain significant traction in U.S. presidential politics, running for the Democratic nomination in 1984 and 1988, and helping pave the way for future leaders.
Beyond U.S. civil rights, he engaged in international diplomacy and campaigned globally for human rights.
Among his recognitions was the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
His death marks the passing of one of the most influential and enduring voices in modern civil rights history.
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