Famed civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. has died at the age of 84, according to a statement from his family. Jackson passed away Tuesday morning surrounded by relatives.
“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.”
Jackson had been hospitalized since November while being treated for progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurodegenerative disorder he had battled for over ten years, according to a news release from Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Born in South Carolina, Jackson attended Chicago Theological Seminary during the 1960s as he became active in the Civil Rights Movement. He was given a leadership role under Martin Luther King Jr. with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Chicago and soon gained national attention.
After disagreements within that organization following King’s assassination, Jackson founded Operation P.U.S.H. and later created the Rainbow Coalition during the 1970s before merging them into Operation Rainbow Push.
In 1984 and again in 1988, Jackson ran for president of the United States as only the second Black candidate from a major party after Shirley Chisholm. He delivered an address at that year’s Democratic National Convention.
Jackson continued as a public figure through later decades with roles including hosting a political debate show on CNN and advising President Bill Clinton. He stepped down as head of Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 2023 after more than fifty years leading it.
For his work over many decades, Jackson received honors such as Chicago’s key to the city on his 83rd birthday in 2024, along with awards like the Presidential Medal of Freedom and France’s Legion of Honor.
At his birthday celebration that year Mayor Brandon Johnson praised him: “Through the lens of our personal experiences as Black people, you’ve been able to eloquently and profoundly stitch together the hopes and dreams of not just our ancestors, but those of other people [and] groups… This is about us cementing your leadership into halls of power for generations.”
Jackson was married to Jacqueline Lavinia Brown; they have five children including Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson who represents part of Chicago’s South Side.
Public memorial services will be held in Chicago at a later date.
Mayor Johnson said Tuesday he was “devastated to lose my mentor and friend.” He added: “We honor him, and his hard-earned legacy as a freedom fighter, philosopher, and faithful shepherd of his family and community here in Chicago… His friendship, counsel and prayers had a deep impact on my family.”
Gov. JB Pritzker posted: “Rev. Jesse Jackson was a giant of the civil rights movement He broke down barriers, inspired generations, and kept hope alive. Our state, nation, and world are better due to his years of service.”
The city lowered its flag to half-staff Tuesday in tribute.
Jackson’s presidential campaigns were historic moments for Black political participation nationwide during times when factory closures hit working-class Americans hard across regions like Illinois—he received nearly seven million votes during his second campaign run—and championed issues such as reparations for Black Americans and universal health care.
Former President Barack Obama commented on Tuesday: “He created opportunities for generations of African Americans and inspired countless more… We stood on his shoulders.” Obama noted Michelle Obama first saw political organizing at Jackson’s kitchen table when she was young; both Obamas credit him with helping lay groundwork for their own public service careers.
Two sons have represented parts of Chicago or nearby suburbs in Congress: Jesse Jackson Jr., who served nearly two decades before resigning after legal troubles; Jonathan L. Jackson currently serves after being elected last year.
Other surviving children include Santita (a singer/radio host), Yusef (an entrepreneur), Jacqueline (middle daughter), Ashley (film producer).
Memorial details will be announced by family members.
