The Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., one of the most influential figures in modern American civil rights history, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family, his loved ones announced. Jackson’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life of activism, spiritual leadership and political impact that spanned more than half a century.
Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson’s early life was shaped by the realities of segregation and racial inequality in the Jim Crow South. These experiences fueled his passion for justice and helped steer him toward the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
After studying theology in Chicago, Jackson joined the Martin Luther King Jr.–led Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), where he emerged as a dynamic organizer and leader. He marched in Selma in 1965, participated in protests against discriminatory practices, and became a key lieutenant in King’s circle. Jackson was present in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, when King was assassinated — a pivotal moment that deeply shaped his future role as a leader in his own right.
In the wake of King’s death, Jackson sought to carry forward the moral and political imperatives of the movement. He founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), later merging that organization with the Rainbow Coalition to form the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition — a powerful force advocating for civil rights, economic equity, corporate accountability and voter engagement. Under his leadership, the coalition pressed corporations and institutions to diversify their workforces, expand opportunities for African Americans, and invest in underserved communities.
Jackson’s impact on American politics extended far beyond activism. In 1984 and 1988, he launched historic campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination. Though he did not secure the nomination, his campaigns were groundbreaking — energizing millions of voters, especially Black and young Americans, and pushing major party platforms to address issues like economic inequality, apartheid in South Africa and grassroots political engagement. His slogan “Keep Hope Alive” became a rallying cry for a generation of voters seeking systemic change.
During those campaigns, Jackson demonstrated that a Black candidate could be a serious contender for the nation’s highest office — an achievement widely seen as laying groundwork for future leaders, including the election of Barack Obama in 2008.
Beyond domestic politics, Jackson was known for his global humanitarian efforts. In multiple instances over the years, he traveled abroad to negotiate the release of American prisoners and hostages — using his moral authority and connections with foreign leaders to advance peace and secure humanitarian outcomes. While some critics questioned the wisdom of these solo diplomatic missions, supporters lauded his commitment to human dignity and global justice.
Jackson’s long public life also included awards and recognitions, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — which he received in 2000. His dynamic oratory, moral leadership and enduring commitment to marginalized communities won him respect across generations and from both sides of the political aisle.
In his later years, Jackson faced significant health challenges. He publicly acknowledged a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2017, and later received a diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative condition. Despite these struggles, he remained engaged with contemporary movements for racial justice and continued to appear at events that championed voting rights, police reform and economic opportunity.
Tributes to Jackson’s life have poured in from across the nation. Leaders recalled his role as a bridge-builder, a negotiator who brought people together, and a resolute advocate for the voiceless. Eulogies described him as a “servant leader” whose life work uplifted millions and whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Jackson, and their children — Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline — along with daughter Ashley and grandchildren. Public commemorations and celebration of life services are expected to be held in Chicago, where he spent much of his life’s work advancing civil rights and social justice.
For Baltimore and cities across America, Rev. Jesse Jackson’s life stands as a testament to the enduring struggle for equality and the power of determined civic engagement. From the segregated South to national political stages, his voice helped elevate the cause of justice and expand the circle of American democracy. In a moment of reflection on his passing, communities are reminded that while leaders may depart, the causes they champion endure — rooted deeply in the belief that every person has inherent dignity, worth, and the right to be heard.