Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader, Dead at 84
Civil rights icon and two-time Presidential candidate Rev. Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84, his family confirmed.
A statement, released on Instagram, confirmed, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family,” the statement said.
The Jackson family said: “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.”
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During his storied career, he worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and became a national figure while fighting for voting rights and economic justice. He also ran for president in 1984 and 1988 and helped expand political participation for marginalized communities. He was awarded with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000 by Bill Clinton. He is also the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a civil rights and social justice organization.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years Jacqueline Jackson and their children and grandchildren.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time. RIP.