Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader, Dies at 84

Jesse Jackson, a veteran U.S. civil rights activist, died on Tuesday at the age of 84, as confirmed by a family statement. Born in 1941 in the segregated American South, Jackson rose to national prominence during the turbulent civil rights era of the 1960s and became a close associate of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.

He was known for his eloquent oratory and media-savvy activism, advocating for the rights of Black Americans and marginalized communities. Throughout his career, Jackson faced controversies but remained a recognized figure in civil rights.

He sought the Democratic Party's presidential nomination twice, in 1984 and 1988, winning 3.3 million votes (approximately 18% of the ballots cast) in 1984, finishing third behind Walter Mondale and Gary Hart. In 1988, he garnered 6-8 million votes (29%) and finished second to Michael Dukakis.

Jackson founded the Rainbow Coalition to expand advocacy beyond race, including economic justice and political empowerment. He served as a special envoy to Africa under President Bill Clinton and was instrumental in negotiating the release of several Americans detained abroad.

In 2017, Jackson announced his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.