CHICAGO — The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a towering figure in American civil rights politics, two-time presidential candidate, and longtime advocate for racial and economic justice, has died at the age of 84.
His daughter, Santita Jackson, confirmed that Jackson died at home, surrounded by family.
A protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson rose to national prominence in the turbulent aftermath of King’s assassination in 1968. As a young organiser in Chicago, Jackson had been summoned to meet King at the Lorraine Motel shortly before the civil rights icon was fatally shot. In the years that followed, Jackson emerged as one of the most recognisable voices of the movement, positioning himself as a leading advocate for the continuation of King’s legacy.
Over decades of activism, Jackson became one of America’s most influential civil rights leaders, championing causes ranging from voting rights and employment equity to education and healthcare. Through the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he mobilised grassroots activism into economic and corporate arenas, pressuring major institutions to expand opportunities for historically marginalised communities.
Jackson’s rhetoric, infused with the cadence of the Black church, became central to his public identity. His oft-repeated declaration, “I am Somebody,” resonated across racial and social divides, reinforcing themes of dignity, self-worth, and empowerment.
Despite significant health challenges in his later years, including a progressive neurological disorder that impaired his mobility and speech, Jackson remained publicly engaged. He continued to speak out against racial injustice well into the era of Black Lives Matter and made appearances at major political and civic gatherings, including the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
From Segregated South to National Stage
Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson grew up in the segregated American South. A gifted athlete, he initially attended the University of Illinois on a football scholarship before transferring to North Carolina A&T, where he excelled academically and politically. Immersed in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s, Jackson joined King’s campaigns, including the historic Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march.
In 1971, Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), later evolving into the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. His advocacy blended civil rights activism with economic justice, corporate accountability, and electoral politics.
Jackson’s presidential bids in 1984 and 1988 marked historic milestones. Though unsuccessful, his campaigns broadened the scope of political participation for minority candidates, with supporters rallying behind his enduring slogan: “Keep Hope Alive.”
Global Engagement and Zimbabwe Ties
Jackson’s influence extended well beyond the United States. He engaged in international diplomacy, negotiating the release of political detainees and hostages, and meeting with world leaders across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
His relationship with Zimbabwe formed part of his broader engagement with African politics. Jackson visited Zimbabwe on several occasions, where he met with then-President Robert Mugabe and participated in discussions on governance, sanctions, and economic development.
Jackson was known for his nuanced and sometimes controversial positions on Zimbabwe’s political trajectory. While he expressed concern over political tensions and democratic processes, he also criticised Western sanctions, arguing that they disproportionately affected ordinary citizens. His stance mirrored his broader philosophy of engagement and dialogue in international affairs.
Political observers often noted Jackson’s efforts to frame Zimbabwe’s challenges within the context of post-colonial economic restructuring, land reform, and global power dynamics — themes consistent with his long-standing emphasis on historical justice.
A Complex Legacy
Jackson’s career was not without controversy. He faced criticism over remarks and political positioning at various points, yet remained a central, if sometimes polarising, figure in American public life.
Reflecting on his life in a 2011 interview, Jackson described his mission as one of dismantling barriers.
“A part of our life’s work was to tear down walls and build bridges,” he said. “Sometimes when you tear down walls, you’re scarred by falling debris, but your mission is to open up holes so others behind you can run through.”
In his final months, as his health declined, Jackson lost his ability to speak, communicating instead through gestures with family and visitors.
His death marks the end of an era in American civil rights history, closing the chapter on one of the movement’s most enduring and globally recognised figures.
Source: AP
