RismadarVoice Reporters
February 17, 2026
Veteran American civil rights activist, Reverend Jesse Jackson, one of the United States’ most influential Black leaders, has died at the age of 84.
Jackson passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, his family announced in a statement.
“A servant leader – not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the family said. “His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honour his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”
No cause of death was disclosed. However, Jackson revealed in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological disorder. He was also hospitalized in November for observation in connection with another neurodegenerative condition, according to media reports.
A Life of Activism:
A Baptist minister and gifted orator, Jackson rose to national prominence during the 1960s civil rights movement, marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and helping to mobilize support and fundraising for the cause.
For more than six decades, Jackson remained a powerful advocate for racial justice, economic equality, and political inclusion. Through his activism and leadership, he expanded opportunities for African Americans in politics, business, and public life.
Beyond the United States, Jackson also played roles in international mediation efforts, leveraging his moral authority and diplomatic engagement in global disputes.
His passing marks the end of an era in American civil rights history, leaving behind a legacy defined by advocacy, resilience, and an enduring call for justice.
