For more than five decades, Jesse Jackson stood at the forefront of the American civil rights movement, blending faith, activism, and politics into a powerful call for justice. The Baptist minister and two-time presidential candidate died on February 17, 2026, at 84, according to reports, with his family confirming he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. In a statement, they described him as a “servant leader” whose lifelong commitment to equality and human dignity shaped a global movement. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and his children, including Ashley Laverne Jackson, along with several grandchildren. Public observances are expected in Chicago, with arrangements to be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the organization he founded.

Jackson first gained national attention working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and was present in Memphis in 1968 when King was assassinated—an event that deeply shaped his life’s mission. He later made history with his groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, expanding voter engagement and redefining possibilities for Black leadership in national politics. In recent years, he faced significant health challenges, including progressive supranuclear palsy. Tributes poured in from leaders such as Al Sharpton, who praised Jackson as a moral voice whose presence commanded rooms and inspired hope. His legacy endures in the movements he strengthened and the generations he encouraged to continue the fight for justice.