Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., a renowned figure in the civil rights movement and the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, has passed away peacefully at the age of 84, surrounded by his family.
His family stated, "Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honour his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by."
Jackson gained fame in the 1960s working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the struggle for civil rights and equality. He ran for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination twice, in 1984 and 1988, leveraging his campaigns to encourage millions to register to vote.
Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017, Jackson persisted in his advocacy work. Although he encountered significant physical challenges, his commitment to justice never wavered. In November 2025, he was hospitalized for observation after being diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a degenerative condition.
Jackson’s lifelong dedication contributed significantly to a worldwide movement advocating for freedom and dignity. His influence spanned grassroots initiatives and national campaigns, empowering the marginalized and inspiring future generations.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, their children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline, and Ashley Jackson, as well as his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Burns Jackson; father, Noah Louis Robinson; and stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson.
Memorial events and celebrations of Jackson’s life are scheduled to occur in Chicago, with specific details to be provided by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
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