Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at 84, marking the end of a decades-long career in civil rights activism and national politics.
Jackson, born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, became one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the late 20th century. A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he helped lead marches and organize campaigns focused on voting rights, economic opportunity, and racial equality.
He later founded organizations that merged into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which pushed for social justice and corporate accountability. In 1984, Jackson launched his first campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. He finished third behind Walter Mondale and Gary Hart. In 1988, he mounted a second bid and finished runner-up to Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis. His campaigns expanded minority participation in presidential politics and reshaped the Democratic coalition.
From January 3, 1991, to January 3, 1997, Jackson served as the District of Columbia’s shadow U.S. senator. In that role, he advocated for D.C. statehood and full congressional representation. He also hosted Both Sides with Jesse Jackson on CNN from 1992 to 2000.
Throughout his career, Jackson criticized police brutality and conservative policies. Supporters viewed him as a bridge between the civil rights movement and modern political activism.
Jackson died February 17, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. He was 84. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Brown Jackson, and six children, including U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson and former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at 84, but his influence on civic engagement and political participation will continue to shape conversations for years to come.
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