Jesse Jackson Dead At 84, Civil Rights Leader Passes Away

The Reverend Jesse Jackson, long time civil rights advocate, two time presidential candidate, and Baptist minister died Tuesday. The announcement was made by his family this morning.

Jesse Jackson’s Family Announces His Death

Jackson’s family’s statement 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, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”

The Reverend Al Sharpton said in one statement, “our nation lost one of its greatest moral voices.

“Reverend Jackson stood wherever dignity was under attack, from apartheid abroad to injustice at home. His voice echoed in boardrooms and in jail cells. His presence shifted rooms. His faith never wavered.” Jackson’s cause of death was not given at the time of posting.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Jackson had been living with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) for over a decade according to his Rainbow PUSH Coalition. PSP affects a patient’s ability to walk and swallow.

It was revealed in 2017 that Jackson had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Jackson had been treated at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago for at least two years as a outpatient before the diagnosis was revealed.

“Public observances will be held in Chicago and future plans for celebration of life events will be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Jackson family said in its statement Tuesday.”

Jesse Jackson’s History

Jackson was born in Greeneville, SC and became popular during the Civil Rights Era. Jackson participated in demonstrations along with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Jackson was active in civil rights for decades leading to his decision to run for president in 1984 and 1988.

According to the New York Times, “Merely by being black and forcing other candidates to consider his very real potential to garner black votes, which they need, Jackson has had an impact.”

“Jackson began his work as an organizer with the Congress of Racial Equality, participating in marches and sit-ins. He attended North Carolina A&T State University and graduated with a degree in sociology. “

Jackson went on to later work along side King full time, and was praised for doing a better job than they expected in the end.

“Jackson married Jacqueline Brown, who survives him, in 1962. They have five children, including former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill.” Jackson continued his push for civil rights after King’s death.

Jackson also helped win the release of several detained and captured Americans around the world.

In 1999, he negotiated the release of three U.S. soldiers being held in Yugoslavia. President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom for those efforts a year later.

President Donald Trump said in a post to Truth Social on Tuesday that Jackson “was a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and ‘street smarts.'”

“He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences,” Trump said in the post. “Jesse will be missed!”

Check back for updates and further news on Jackson’s arrangements.