Jesse Jackson, longtime civil rights leader and close associate of Martin Luther King Jr., has died at 84, his family announced. Jackson was a two-time presidential candidate and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Jesse Jackson Dies at 84: Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader and MLK Ally, Dies at 84
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent voice in the American civil rights movement and a longtime ally of Martin Luther King Jr., has died at the age of 84, his family announced.
Jackson rose to national prominence in the 1960s as a close associate of King, working alongside him during pivotal moments in the fight for racial equality. Over the decades that followed, Jackson became one of the most recognizable figures in American political and social activism.
A National Civil Rights Figure
Jackson was known for his powerful oratory and grassroots organizing. After King’s assassination in 1968, he continued advocating for economic justice, voting rights, and expanded opportunities for marginalized communities.
He later founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization focused on social justice, education, and economic empowerment.
Presidential Campaigns and Political Influence
In addition to his civil rights work, Jackson made history with two bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. His 1988 campaign in particular broadened the political coalition within the Democratic Party and inspired increased political participation among minority voters.
Though he did not secure the nomination, his campaigns were widely viewed as groundbreaking and helped pave the way for greater diversity in national politics.
Legacy
Jackson remained active in public life for decades, speaking out on issues ranging from poverty and healthcare to international diplomacy. In recent years, he faced health challenges but continued to be recognized as a towering figure in American civil rights history.
Leaders across the political spectrum are remembering Jackson as a dynamic advocate who helped shape modern American politics and civil rights activism.
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