Rev. Jesse Jackson’s passing marks the end of a towering chapter in America’s long march toward justice. At 84, the civil rights giant died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by family, closing a life defined by courage, conviction, and an unyielding commitment to human dignity.

A Life Shaped by the Movement

Rev. Jackson emerged as one of the most influential voices of the Civil Rights era. A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he was present in Memphis on the day of King’s assassination in 1968 and carried that mantle of advocacy forward for decades. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1970, a multiracial organization dedicated to social change, economic equality, and civil rights—an institution that continues to shape national conversations today.

His activism extended far beyond marches and speeches. Jackson became a global ambassador for justice, elevating the voices of the marginalized and challenging systems of inequality wherever they appeared. His family described him as a “servant leader… to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.”

Political Trailblazer

In the 1980s, Jackson shattered political barriers by running the first viable presidential campaigns by a Black American. His 1984 and 1988 bids energized millions, broadened the Democratic electorate, and laid groundwork that would later help usher in new generations of leadership—including the historic election of President Barack Obama.

His message of a “Rainbow Coalition”—uniting Americans across race, class, and creed—became a defining political and moral vision for the nation.

Health Challenges and Final Years

Jackson had battled declining health for more than a decade. Initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, he later revealed he was living with progressive supranuclear palsy, a degenerative neurological condition. Despite these challenges, he continued to speak, advocate, and inspire until his final years.

National and Global Tributes

Leaders across the political spectrum and around the world have honored his legacy. Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama expressed gratitude for Jackson’s lifetime of service, saying, “We stood on his shoulders.” Chicago’s mayor ordered city flags to half-staff in his honor.

President Donald Trump called Jackson a “force of nature” and remembered their decades-long acquaintance, noting Jackson’s passion for people and justice.

In Detroit, where Jackson held deep ties, community leaders reflected on his humor, mentorship, and relentless push for inclusion. “Jesse taught that we all are somebody… and to keep hope alive,” said Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony.

A Legacy That Lives On

Rev. Jesse Jackson leaves behind a legacy etched into the conscience of a nation. He was a preacher, organizer, presidential candidate, global advocate, and moral compass—one who believed deeply in the promise of America and worked tirelessly to make that promise real for all.

Funeral arrangements and a celebration of life will be announced in the coming days.