Jesse Jackson, a prominent U.S. civil rights leader and a significant figure in American politics, has passed away at the age of 84, according to a statement from his family on Tuesday. Jackson was a powerful Baptist minister who grew up in the segregated South and was a close ally of Martin Luther King Jr. “Our father was a servant leader, dedicated not just to our family but also to the oppressed, the voiceless, and those often ignored worldwide,” the Jackson family remarked. Residing in Chicago for many years, Jackson was known for his inspirational speeches. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017. His death occurs during a period when Donald Trump’s administration has been working to change U.S. institutions. This has included efforts to remove what Trump calls “anti-American” views, leading to the dismantling of exhibits on slavery and the restoration of Confederate statues—actions that civil rights supporters warn could undo years of progress. Jackson was a strong advocate for the rights of Black Americans and other marginalized groups since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, which was led by his mentor, King. Despite facing various controversies, Jackson remained a key figure in civil rights for many years. He sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, gaining support from Black voters and many white liberals, but he did not succeed in becoming the first Black major party nominee for president. He never held an elected office. In addition to his political efforts, Jackson established the civil rights organizations Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition in Chicago. In the 1990s, he served as a special envoy to Africa for Democratic President Bill Clinton. Jackson also played a vital role in negotiating the release of several Americans and others held captive in countries such as Syria, Cuba, Iraq, and Serbia.
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