By April Rodgers|Freewire — Your News, Your Voice
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights leader, activist, and two-time presidential candidate, died Tuesday, February 17, 2026. He was 84.
For more than five decades, Rev. Jesse Jackson has remained a fixture in American public life, known for stepping into difficult conversations about race, politics, and opportunity.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, Jackson emerged during the civil rights movement as a young associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. He was present during some of the most tense and historic moments of that era, helping organize marches and push for equal rights under the law.
In 1971, Jackson founded Operation PUSH, focusing on economic opportunity and encouraging corporations to hire and promote minorities. He later expanded that effort through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which aimed to build broader political and economic influence across racial and social lines.
Jackson also made history in electoral politics. His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 broke barriers, drawing millions of votes and proving a Black candidate could compete nationally. While he did not win the nomination, his campaigns expanded political participation and brought new voters into the process.
Operating largely from Chicago, Jackson became known for his ability to draw attention to issues others overlooked. He advocated for workers, pushed for expanded voting access, and spoke out on national and international issues. Supporters viewed him as a necessary voice for the underserved, while critics often disagreed with his methods and political positions.
Regardless of where people stood, Jackson’s presence was difficult to ignore. He helped shape conversations about civil rights, political access, and the role of activism in modern America.
His life reflects a period of major change in the country, from segregation to expanded political participation. Through victories, defeats, praise, and criticism, Jesse Jackson remained committed to making his voice heard, and ensuring others had the opportunity to do the same.
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