Civil rights pioneer and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition passes peacefully in Chicago, leaving a legacy of activism, oratory, and advocacy for justice

Chicago, Illinois – February 17, 2026 – The Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., a towering figure in American civil rights, politics, and moral leadership for more than six decades, died peacefully this morning at his home in Chicago surrounded by family. He was 84.

The announcement came in a statement from his family: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family."

No specific cause of death was immediately detailed in the family statement, though Jackson had battled progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative condition, for over a decade. He had also publicly disclosed a Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2017 and faced ongoing health challenges in recent years, including a hospitalization in late 2025.

Born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson grew up in the segregated South and rose to national prominence as a close associate and protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He participated in key civil rights campaigns of the 1960s, including the Selma to Montgomery marches and the Poor People's Campaign. After King's assassination in 1968, Jackson emerged as one of the movement's most visible and vocal leaders.

In the 1970s and 1980s, he founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in Chicago, later merging it into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which advocated for economic justice, voting rights, and empowerment of marginalized communities. His famous "Rainbow Coalition" vision sought to unite poor and working-class people across racial lines.

Jackson made history as the first African American candidate with a serious path to the Democratic presidential nomination. In 1984, he ran a groundbreaking campaign that energized Black voters and highlighted issues of inequality. In 1988, he won 11 primaries and caucuses, finishing second in the delegate count and delivering a memorable speech at the Democratic National Convention that emphasized hope and inclusion.

An impassioned orator known for his rhythmic, preacherly style, Jackson remained a force in Democratic politics, international diplomacy, and social justice advocacy well into the 21st century. He mediated conflicts abroad, fought for corporate diversity, and continued speaking out on issues from voting rights to economic inequality and global human rights.

Tributes poured in swiftly from across the political spectrum and society. Former President Barack Obama described Jackson as "a true giant" whose work paved the way for progress. Other leaders, activists, and organizations—including civil rights groups, labor unions, and even figures from sports and entertainment—honored his contributions to justice and equality.

Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, their five children—including former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.—and numerous grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. His death marks the passing of one of the last major links to the civil rights era's frontline activism, but his calls for a more just and inclusive America continue to resonate.