Civil Rights Icon Reverend Jesse Jackson Dies Peacefully
Reverend Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and two-time U.S. presidential candidate, has died, his family announced Tuesday. In a statement, Jackson’s family described him as “a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.” They added, “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 passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side. His official cause of death has not been released. He had battled progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) for over a decade, a condition that affects walking and swallowing and can lead to serious complications. He was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and participating in marches and demonstrations. Over his lifetime, he championed the rights of African Americans and the economically disadvantaged, leaving a legacy of activism, justice, and equality.