Civil Rights Icon Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. Passes Away at 84

February 18, 2026

Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. , a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, passed away Tuesday after battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a neurodegenerative disease diagnosed earlier this year. Beginning his activism as a young college student in the 1960s, Jackson worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Who is affected

The Jackson family, including his wife Jacqueline Jackson and children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan Luther, Yusef DuBois, Jacqueline Lavinia, and Ashley
The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition organization
Civil rights activists and organizations who collaborated with Jackson
Working-class, low-income, and minority communities who benefited from his economic justice advocacy
The Democratic Party, which was influenced by his presidential campaigns
African Americans seeking employment and business opportunities through his programs
International hostages and prisoners whose release Jackson negotiated
Students in inner-city schools targeted by PUSH-Excel programs

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The article discusses Jackson's past activism and his death, but does not describe actions currently underway beyond his family's statement asking people to honor his memory.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson's death marks the end of an era in American civil rights leadership, as he was one of the last direct links to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. His presidential campaigns broke barriers and forced the Democratic Party to address issues affecting working-class and minority voters, while his economic justice programs like Operation Breadbasket and PUSH created tangible improvements in employment and business opportunities for Black Americans. Jackson's work demonstrated that moral principles could translate into political change, and his Rainbow Coalition philosophy championed an inclusive vision of American diversity that united people across racial, ethnic, religious, and economic lines. His international diplomacy efforts established precedents for faith-based conflict resolution and secured the freedom of dozens of hostages and prisoners, while his lifelong commitment to justice and equality inspired millions of activists worldwide.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint