Jesse Jackson, pioneer US civil rights activist, dies at 84

Jesse Jackson, one of the leaders of the US civil rights movement in the 1960s, has died at the age of 84.

He died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning — surrounded by family and friends.

“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,” his family announced in a statement.

“He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family.

“His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity.

“A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilising millions to register to vote — leaving an indelible mark on history.”

Jackson was on the frontlines in the battle for civil rights in the 1960s alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

He was born on October 8, 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina and was a leader in Martin Luther King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

He was on the scene when King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968.

Jackson was twice a candidate for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.

In 2017, Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He was hospitalised in November 2025 after being diagnosed with a degenerative condition.