Civil Rights Icon Reverend Jesse Jackson Passes Away at 84

UNITED STATES | February 17, 2026 – The world mourns today as the news breaks of the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a titan of the American Civil Rights Movement and a close confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was 84 years old.

Passing and Health Battle

According to an official statement released by the Jackson family and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Reverend passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his children and loved ones.

While the immediate cause was cited as natural causes related to age, Jackson had been a symbol of resilience through several long-term health battles:

Parkinson’s Disease: Diagnosed in 2017, he remained public and active for years despite the physical toll of the condition.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP): A rare neurological condition that had significantly impacted his mobility and speech in recent months.

A Legacy of “Keeping Hope Alive”

Jesse Jackson’s life was a masterclass in activism, diplomacy, and political courage. His career spanned over six decades of tireless service:

The Successor of Dr. King: Jackson was standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. He took that tragedy and turned it into a lifelong mission to finish the work of the movement.
Breaking the Political Glass Ceiling: His historic runs for the U.S. Presidency in 1984 and 1988 redefined American politics. By building his “Rainbow Coalition,” he proved that a Black candidate could mobilize a multi-racial base, effectively paving the way for the election of Barack Obama 20 years later.
Global Statesman: Often acting where official diplomacy failed, Jackson successfully negotiated the release of American hostages and prisoners in Syria, Iraq, and Cuba, earning him a reputation as a fearless international mediator.

“Keep Hope Alive”

His famous rallying cry, “Keep Hope Alive!”, is being shared globally today as a tribute to the man who believed that change was always possible through the power of the vote and the strength of the human spirit.