Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., civil rights icon and founder of the Rainbow Push Coalition, has passed away at the age of 84

Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr./photo/Instagram @revjjackson

Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. passed away Tuesday morning in Chicago, according to a statement released by his family. He was 84. He had reportedly been suffering from health issues.

Reverend Jackson followed the leadership of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a minister, a longstanding civil rights activist, and the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which promoted unity and leadership from Black, white, Native, Asian, and other communities.

Photo/Instagram/@revjjackson

He encouraged intercultural solidarity in America. Jackson, a longtime Democrat, was a Presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988. He was also a “shadow senator” in Washington, D.C. He hosted a political show on CNN, “Both Sides with Jesse Jackson,” for several years, aside from fighting against injustice in America. He was one of the more respected and longstanding civil rights activists in America, as many of his counterparts and mentors had an early demise.

Jesse and his wife, Jaqueline/photo/Instagram/@revjjackson

His family’s statement reads, “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 mobilizing millions to register to vote – leaving an indelible mark on history,” the statement read.

He and his wife, Jacqueline, have five children. He also has a daughter, Ashley Jackson.

Rest in peace. Thank you for your contributions to the world.

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