Former President Obama Has Spoken with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Who Remains in the Hospital

November 20, 2025

Former President Barack Obama recently called civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, who is currently hospitalized in stable condition in Chicago, after coordinating with Jackson's family for several days beforehand. Jackson, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome in 2013 and whose diagnosis was updated to supranuclear palsy in April, has been receiving support from numerous politicians and civil rights figures, including Reverend Al Sharpton and Reverend Amos Brown, a fellow Civil Rights pioneer. Despite his condition and inability to speak, Jackson remains alert and continues advocating for his vision of organizing churches to combat malnutrition.

Who is affected

Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. (hospitalized civil rights leader)
The Jackson family (constantly at his bedside)
Former President Barack Obama
Reverend Amos Brown (Civil Rights pioneer)
Reverend Al Sharpton
Politicians and former staffers visiting Jackson
Yusef Jackson (son and family spokesperson)
Churches, pastors, and families intended to benefit from Jackson's food distribution initiative

What action is being taken

Former President Obama is coordinating with the Jackson family
The Jackson family is maintaining constant presence at Reverend Jackson's hospital bedside
Politicians, former staffers, and others are visiting Jackson's bedside to encourage him
Reverend Jackson is sharing his vision for churches and pastors to distribute food and reduce malnutrition

Why it matters

This situation matters because it involves a major civil rights icon who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and has been a significant figure in African American history and social justice for decades. Despite his serious neurological condition, Jackson continues to advocate for addressing food insecurity, demonstrating his enduring commitment to social causes. The outpouring of support from prominent figures including a former president reflects Jackson's lasting impact and the deep respect he commands in political and civil rights circles.

What's next

Reverend Jackson is enlisting 2,000 churches and pastors to distribute 2,000 baskets of food to feed four million families this season as part of his ongoing vision to reduce malnutrition.

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