Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights activist and two-time presidential candidate, has passed away at the age of 84.

"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 stated.

Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson became a key figure in the American civil rights movement. He worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was present during King's assassination in 1968.

In the 1980s, Jackson founded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, advocating for social justice and economic opportunities for marginalized communities. He made historic bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, breaking barriers for African American candidates.

Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017 and later with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder. Despite his health challenges, he remained active in public life until his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and their children. Public observances will be held in Chicago, with details to be announced by the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.