The Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and a vocal advocate for marriage equality, has died at the age of 84. His family announced he passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by loved ones.
In a statement, his family paid tribute to his lifelong dedication, saying: “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.”
They described him as a "servant leader" not only to his family but "to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world," asking the public to honour his memory by continuing the fight for the values he championed.
Jackson rose to prominence during the civil rights era of the 1960s, working alongside Dr Martin Luther King Jr. He later founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organisation dedicated to advancing civil rights, social change, and economic justice. His influence extended into presidential politics, where he made historic runs for the Democratic Party’s nomination in 1984 and 1988.
A consistent advocate for marginalised groups, Jackson publicly called for marriage equality in 2010, urging a court to strike down California's ban on same-sex marriage. At a protest, he stated that gay and lesbian people were “America’s newest second-class citizens” and declared his support for “the right for any person to marry the person of their choosing.”
In 2017, Jackson revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which he had been receiving outpatient treatment for in Chicago. Throughout his later years, he remained politically engaged, criticising the presidency of Donald Trump for threatening "50 years of civil rights."
Reverend Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, their five children, and his grandchildren. Public observances will be held in Chicago, with plans for a celebration of life to be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
