Civil Rights Leader Reverend Jesse Jackson Passes Away

Reverend Jesse Jackson, a veteran civil rights activist and former presidential candidate, died peacefully on Tuesday morning at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family. While no official cause of death was disclosed, it was noted that he had previously been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Born in 1941, Jackson emerged as a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, having been a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. He built a distinguished career that combined activism, ministry, and politics, notably seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. presidency twice in the 1980s.

His campaigns aimed to expand voter participation and mobilize millions of Americans, particularly within the Black community. Throughout his life, Jackson remained a vocal advocate for racial justice, voting rights, economic equality, and international human rights.

He is survived by his wife, Jacquelin, and their children, including Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan Yusef, and Ashlei Jackson, along with several grandchildren.