Remembering civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn. — Reverend Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights activist and leader, has died at age 84.
Jackson died peacefully Tuesday morning after a long battle with a neurodegenerative condition, according to his family.
The civil rights activist marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and spent his life fighting for the rights of disenfranchised people in the United States and around the world.
As communities mourn the loss, many reflect on the legacy he left behind.
“When I think about Mr. Jackson, I think about great civil rights leader, activist, diplomat, someone who gave hope to people,” said Lonnie Parker, candidate for Madison County Commissioner, District 1.
Life of activism and leadership
In 1984, Jackson became the second African-American to run for president of the United States. He lived a life rooted in faith, bringing people together across multiple races, cultures, genders and belief systems.
“He stood for justice. He stood for civil rights. He stood for equality. He stood for economic justice,” said Sabrina Parker, founder and former president of the Jackson chapter of the National Action Network.
Jackson mentored prominent civil rights leaders including Al Sharpton. Throughout his career, he made a lasting impact on the lives of many.
“Just knowing and seeing what he did on the news, what he did everyday. Coming home to my grandmother’s you watch the news, talking about Operation PUSH and what he did in his younger days — that’s what resonated with me the most,” said Camille Shavon, former chairman, media and publicity for JMC NAACP.
“Today I mourn the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson. He marched with Dr. King in Memphis and was on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel the day that fatal shot rang out. Rev. Jackson dedicated his life to promoting justice, equality, and civil and human rights. He was respected not only in the United States but also around the world. When I was in the Army, one of the things that made a huge impression on me was when he flew to Syria to negotiate the release of then Navy Lt. Robert Goodman after he was shot down and held captive by their government. He was a great man who did a lot of good. God bless his family and everyone he helped and inspired as we grieve this tremendous loss,” said TN House Democratic Leader Karen Camper.
“He at least took actionable steps despite the ramifications of what it could have cost him, especially seeing his dear friend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. be murdered, you know, so at that time some people would have just folded,” said Parker.
Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which works to make the American dream a reality for all citizens. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.
According to the NAACP, Jackson forged a path forward to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure full political, educational, social and economic equality for all.
Jackson is survived by his wife Jacqueline Brown Jackson and their five children.
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