Jesse Jackson, US Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 84
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
Veteran civil rights leader and Baptist minister Jesse Jackson has died at 84, his family confirmed on Tuesday. Jackson, one of America’s most influential Black voices, spent decades advocating for racial equality, social justice, and political empowerment for African Americans.
Born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson overcame early life challenges, including being raised by an unwed teen mother. He later took the surname of his stepfather, Charles Jackson, and excelled academically, earning a degree in sociology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College.
Jackson rose to prominence in the 1960s, participating in sit-ins, the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, and other pivotal civil rights events. He caught the attention of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marching alongside him in the struggle for equal rights and social justice.
In the 1980s, Jackson made history as the most prominent Black candidate to run for the Democratic presidential nomination, though his bids were ultimately unsuccessful. His campaigns, however, expanded the political voice of African Americans on the national stage.
Beyond politics, Jackson became an international mediator, advocating for peace and justice in countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Serbia. He also played a key role in anti-apartheid efforts in South Africa and served as presidential special envoy for Africa under Bill Clinton.
In 1996, Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to social justice, civil rights, and political activism. The organization became a central platform for his work in promoting economic and political equality.
Jackson’s family described him as a “servant leader” whose unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and love uplifted millions. They urged the public to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he championed throughout his life.
He is survived by his wife and six children. Jackson’s passing marks the end of a six-decade-long journey of activism, public service, and advocacy, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped civil rights in the United States and inspired generations worldwide.
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