Jesse Jackson, the influential minister and activist who helped shape American political and social discourse for more than five decades, died Tuesday (Feb. 17) at the age of 84. For many, he stood as the most prominent Black leader in the years between the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 and the rise of Barack Obama as a national political force in the early 2000s.
Jackson passed away at his home, surrounded by family. His daughter, Santita Jackson, confirmed his death. He had battled progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disorder, for more than a decade. Initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017, doctors later clarified his condition as PSP in 2021.
In a heartfelt family statement, his loved ones described him as a “servant leader” whose mission extended far beyond his household. “We shared him with the world,” they wrote, “and in return, the world became part of our extended family.” They called on supporters to continue championing the justice, equality, and compassion that defined his life’s work.
A Towering Voice in Civil Rights
From the streets of the segregated South to the grand stage of national politics, Jackson’s journey was deeply intertwined with the modern Civil Rights Movement. Born on Oct. 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, he was just 21 when he traveled to Washington, D.C., to hear Dr. King deliver the historic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.
Two years later, Jackson joined the Selma-to-Montgomery march in Alabama, where he met King personally. Soon after, King appointed the young activist to lead Operation Breadbasket in Chicago under the umbrella of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. At just 24, Jackson became one of King’s youngest and most visible lieutenants.
In April 1968, Jackson stood in Memphis alongside King during the sanitation workers’ strike. The following day, King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel — a moment that altered the course of American history and profoundly shaped Jackson’s path forward.
By 1970, Jackson’s growing prominence earned him a cover story in Time magazine’s special issue on Black America. But tensions with SCLC leadership led to his suspension in 1971. Undeterred, Jackson founded PUSH (People United to Save Humanity, later renamed People United to Serve Humanity), focusing on economic empowerment and minority business development.
His rallying cry — “I am somebody” — became a unifying mantra for marginalized communities seeking dignity and political power.
Breaking Barriers in Presidential Politics
Jackson didn’t just mobilize voters — he made history. In 1984, he became the first Black presidential candidate to mount a serious national campaign within a major party. He captured approximately 3.5 million votes in the Democratic primaries, about 20% of ballots cast. Though former Vice President Walter Mondale secured the nomination and selected Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate, Jackson had permanently altered the political landscape.
He ran again in 1988, this time gaining even broader support with 7 million votes, finishing second to Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis. His powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention moved many delegates to tears and cemented his place as a transformative political figure.
Media attention evolved alongside his campaigns. Time once headlined a cover story “The Jackson Factor,” reflecting both enthusiasm and skepticism about his candidacy. By 1988, the cover simply read: “Jesse!?”
Complicated Political Alliances
Jackson’s relationship with Bill Clinton was layered and at times contentious. During the 1992 campaign, Clinton publicly rebuked controversial remarks made by activist Sister Souljah at a Jackson-sponsored event — a pivotal moment that became known as the “Sister Souljah” episode. The incident helped Clinton position himself as politically independent, though some viewed it as coming at Jackson’s expense.
Despite tensions and hopes that he might be considered for the vice presidency, Clinton ultimately selected Al Gore as his running mate. Yet in 2000, Clinton awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his lifelong contributions to civil rights and public service.
A Grammy-Winning Moral Voice
Beyond politics and activism, Jackson also left a mark in music and spoken word. In 1989, he won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word or Non-Musical Recording for “Speech by Rev. Jesse Jackson [July 27th],” featured on Aretha Franklin’s gospel album One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. The recording captured one of his impassioned sermons from 1987.
Earlier, he received Grammy nominations for Push for Excellence and Our Time Has Come, further reflecting his ability to inspire audiences far beyond the pulpit.
Music industry legend Berry Gordy paid tribute, recalling Jackson’s enduring friendship and the role he played in connecting civil rights activism with the cultural power of Motown. Gordy noted that Jackson brought Dr. King to Hitsville in 1963, reinforcing the bond between music and movement.
The Changing of an Era
As the 21st century unfolded, Jackson’s singular position as a national Black leader evolved. By the time Barack Obama rose to prominence, America had seen an expanding generation of Black political, business, and cultural leaders.
Still, Jackson was present in Chicago’s Grant Park in 2008 when President-elect Obama celebrated his historic victory. Tears streamed down Jackson’s face — a testament to both fulfillment and reflection. He had paved roads that others would eventually travel.
A Lasting Legacy
The Rev. Jesse Jackson — pioneering civil rights leader, former presidential hopeful, and Grammy Award recipient — has died at 84, but his influence remains woven into the fabric of modern America. From empowering disenfranchised voters to breaking presidential barriers and amplifying messages of hope through sermons and song, his impact spanned generations.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and six children: Jesse Jr., Yusef, Jonathan, Jacqueline, Santita, and Ashley.
Jackson’s voice may be silent, but his call for justice — and his unwavering insistence that every person matters — will echo for decades to come.