Jesse Jackson, the iconic American civil rights her who spent his career fighting for disadvantaged members of his own community has tragically passed away at the age of 84.
A cause of death has not been specified.
In a statement posted to his social media pages, fellow civil rights icon Al Sharpton posted the following message on his death, writing, “My mentor, Rev. Jesse Jackson, has passed. I just prayed with his family by phone. He was a consequential and transformative leader who changed this nation and the world. He shaped public policy and changed laws. He kept the dream alive and taught young children from broken homes, like me, that we don’t have broken spirits.”
Jackson suffered from many health issues, revealing that he had Parkinson’s disease back in 2017. It has also since been revealed that Jackson suffered from progressive supranuclear palsy, which he was hospitalized for back in November.
In a statement posted in the New York Times, Jackson’s family published the following statement on his passing,
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family.
His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless — from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote — leaving an indelible mark on history.
Reverend Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; their children — Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline; daughter Ashley Jackson, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Burns Jackson; father, Noah Louis Robinson; and stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson.
“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said. “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.”
There will reportedly be several funeral services in honor of Jackson, with one occurring in Chicago. These events are sure to garner attention from America’s most famous politicians, influencers, and celebrities.
Rest in peace, Jesse Jackson!
