The passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson at the age of 84 marks the end of a significant era in American history, signaling the departure of one of the last remaining giants of the civil rights movement. His family confirmed on Tuesday that the renowned activist, Baptist minister, and two-time presidential candidate passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Although the official cause of death has not been disclosed, Jackson’s later years were marked by a courageous battle against debilitating neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). His family described him as a man whose life was defined by the principle of “servant leadership,” noting that he was not just a father to his own children, but to the oppressed and voiceless across the world.
Born in the segregated South in 1941, Jackson’s journey from Greenville, South Carolina, to the heights of global influence was nothing short of remarkable. He gained national prominence in the 1960s as a key lieutenant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., standing alongside him in the fight for racial equality. Whether marching in Selma or organizing economic boycotts through Operation Breadbasket, Jackson skillfully combined passionate oratory with pragmatic community organizing. After Dr. King’s assassination, Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization dedicated to social justice, focusing on economic empowerment, voting rights, and diversifying corporate America.
Jackson’s political legacy is perhaps most defined by his groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. At a time when many doubted a Black man could realistically run for president, Jackson defied expectations, building a “Rainbow Coalition” that united voters across racial, ethnic, and class lines. His 1988 campaign was particularly transformative, as he won several state primaries and caucuses, demonstrating that a platform focused on marginalized communities could gain significant support. These campaigns helped lay the foundation for future political leaders, notably Barack Obama, who would later rise to the presidency.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum following news of Jackson’s death, reflecting the depth of his impact. Among the notable reactions was a statement from President Donald Trump, who shared a complex reflection on his long-standing relationship with Jackson, which dated back long before either man had formal political ambitions. Trump praised Jackson as a “force of nature” with “grit,” “street smarts,” and a “gregarious” personality, acknowledging his genuine love for people.
However, Trump’s tribute sparked controversy, particularly when he made a claim about Jackson’s relationship with former President Obama. Trump suggested that Jackson had played a crucial role in Obama’s election—an assertion he claimed had been largely overlooked—while also stating that Jackson “could not stand” Obama. This claim touches on a complicated history; while Jackson famously shed tears of joy when Obama won the 2008 election, he had also made critical remarks about Obama’s approach to faith-based initiatives earlier that year. Despite this friction, the two men maintained a relationship rooted in mutual respect for civil rights progress. The Obama camp has not issued a direct response to Trump’s comments, instead focusing on the broader legacy of Jackson’s life.
Trump also highlighted his own interactions with Jackson’s organization, recalling that he had once provided office space for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in the Trump Building on Wall Street. He connected this historical cooperation to his administration’s policies, such as the creation of Opportunity Zones, the First Step Act for criminal justice reform, and continued federal support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In doing so, Trump sought to frame Jackson as someone with whom he had a pragmatic, if unconventional, professional relationship.
Jackson’s health struggles in recent years were significant. Since his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2017 and his later battle with PSP, his physical presence in public had decreased, though his moral voice remained strong. PSP, a particularly aggressive neurological condition, affected balance, speech, and swallowing, progressing more rapidly than Parkinson’s. Despite these challenges, Jackson remained involved in the Rainbow PUSH Coalition until recently, transitioning leadership to Reverend Frederick Haynes III in 2023 to ensure the organization’s continued success.
Beyond the headlines, Jackson’s lasting legacy can be measured in the progress he helped drive. During his 1984 and 1988 campaigns, Jackson helped register millions of new voters, many from marginalized groups such as African Americans, Latinos, and working-class white Americans. This surge in voter registration altered the political landscape in several Southern states and shifted the Democratic Party toward more progressive economic policies. His work in international diplomacy was equally significant, negotiating the release of American hostages and political prisoners in countries like Syria, Cuba, and Iraq, often succeeding where traditional diplomatic efforts had stalled.
As the Rainbow PUSH Coalition prepares for public memorials in Chicago, the city that was home to Jackson for more than fifty years, the nation must reckon with the void left behind. Jackson was a master of the microphone and the pulpit, using both to demand that America live up to its founding ideals. Although he faced criticism at times, particularly regarding his high-profile interventionist style, there is broad agreement that the landscape of American equality would look drastically different without his efforts.
Jackson’s life story is one of persistence. From his famous “Keep Hope Alive” mantra in his 1988 convention speech to his final days battling illness, he remained a tireless advocate for the “disinherited.” As the nation looks to the future, Jackson’s Rainbow Coalition remains relevant, showing that when diverse groups unite around common economic and social interests, they can shift the course of history. Whether through civil rights, international diplomacy, or electoral politics, Jesse Jackson’s 84 years were a testament to the power of one voice amplified by the cries of many. His services in Chicago will not only mark a somber goodbye but also celebrate a life that, as even his critics admit, was a true force of nature.