Reverend Jesse Jackson, Presidential Candidate, Dies at 84

CHICAGO (Azat TV) – Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and a two-time presidential candidate, died peacefully on Tuesday at the age of 84, his family announced. His passing marks the end of an era for a moral and political force who dedicated his life to championing equality, empowering the voiceless, and building a diverse “rainbow coalition” that reshaped American politics.

Jackson’s family confirmed his death, stating that he died surrounded by loved ones. While the specific cause of death was not immediately disclosed, Jackson had been living with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) for over a decade and had previously revealed a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2017, according to NBC News. His family’s statement highlighted his profound impact, saying, “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 mobilising millions to register to vote – leaving an indelible mark on history.”

Jesse Jackson’s Early Activism and King’s Legacy

Born Jesse Louis Burns in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, Jackson rose to prominence during the tumultuous civil rights era. He attended North Carolina A&T State University and later the Chicago Theological Seminary, where his burgeoning activism led him to participate in pivotal demonstrations. A defining moment came in 1965 when he joined the Selma-to-Montgomery march in Alabama, witnessing the brutality of “Bloody Sunday.” Impressed by his leadership, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. offered Jackson a position with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

Under King’s mentorship, Jackson quickly became a key figure in the SCLC’s Operation Breadbasket, an economic justice program that leveraged the influence of Black churches to advocate for increased employment opportunities for African Americans. By 1967, he became the program’s national director, earning praise from King himself. The trajectory of the movement, and Jackson’s life, shifted dramatically on April 4, 1968, when he witnessed King’s assassination from below the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

Presidential Campaigns and the Rainbow Coalition

Jackson’s activism extended beyond the civil rights movement into the mainstream political arena. In 1971, he founded People United to Save Humanity (PUSH), later merging it with the National Rainbow Coalition to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1996. This multiracial organization focused on educational and economic equality, providing millions in college scholarships and financial assistance to families facing foreclosures.

He made history with two groundbreaking bids for the Democratic presidential nomination, in 1984 and 1988. In 1984, he became the second Black person to launch a nationwide campaign, securing over 18% of the primary vote and finishing third. Four years later, he built on this success, winning 11 primaries and caucuses. His campaigns were revolutionary, expanding the Democratic electorate and forming his iconic “rainbow coalition” of diverse poor and working-class individuals. These efforts laid critical groundwork for future Black candidates, including the nation’s first Black president, Barack Obama, who celebrated his victory in Jackson’s home city of Chicago.

International Diplomacy and Later Activism

Beyond domestic politics, Reverend Jackson also distinguished himself as an international diplomat and humanitarian. He successfully negotiated the release of detained Americans in various global hotspots. Notable achievements include securing the release of a U.S. Navy pilot from Syrian captors in 1984, at least 16 Americans held in Cuba in the same year, 700 women and children from Iraq in 1990, and three U.S. soldiers from Yugoslavia in 1999. For these efforts, President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom a year later, recognizing his significant contributions to global peace and human rights.

In recent decades, Jackson remained an outspoken voice on political and social issues. He condemned Donald Trump’s presidency, stating that “Fifty years of civil rights have been threatened,” and endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders in the 2020 presidential election. Civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton paid tribute to Jackson, calling him his “mentor” and “a movement unto himself,” while CNN legal analyst Joey Jackson described him as an “iconic person” who stood for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Reverend Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, their five children—Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline—daughter Ashley Jackson, and numerous grandchildren. Public observances to celebrate his life and legacy are expected to be held in Chicago, with details to be released by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Jesse Jackson’s passing marks a significant moment, reminding the nation of the relentless struggle for civil rights and the enduring impact of a leader who consistently pushed the boundaries of what was politically possible, leaving an undeniable blueprint for future generations of activists and politicians.