The civil rights leader and former presidential candidate leaves behind a decades-long legacy of activism and political influence.
Reverend Jesse Jackson, one of the most prominent civil rights figures of the last half-century, has died at the age of 84.
Jackson rose to national prominence as a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement and later became a powerful political voice in his own right.
He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and twice ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, becoming one of the first Black candidates to mount a serious national campaign for the White House.
Over decades of activism, Jackson advocated for voting rights, economic equality, criminal justice reform, and international human rights. He remained active in public life well into his later years, despite ongoing health challenges.
Jackson’s influence extended beyond politics. He was frequently called upon to mediate high-profile disputes, negotiate the release of Americans detained overseas, and speak on behalf of marginalized communities.
His passing marks the end of an era in American civil rights leadership, as tributes from political leaders and activists pour in nationwide.
