The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a noted civil rights activist and two-time presidential candidate, died Tuesday at age 84, according to a statement from his family.
Jesse Jackson, respected civil rights activist and former presidential candidate, has died at age 84. His family said he died peacefully, reflecting his commitment to justice and equality (REUTERS)Although the exact cause of death has not been released, Jackson’s family said he died peacefully with his loved ones by his side.
“Our father was a servant leader – not only for our family, but for the oppressed, the voiceless and the neglected around the world,” the Jackson family said.
“We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality and love lifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing to fight for the values he lived by.”
In November of last year, Jackson was hospitalized for treatment aimed at controlling his blood pressure, according to CNN, after being monitored for progressive supranuclear palsy.
The US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) as a rare neurological condition that affects body movements, walking and balance, as well as eye movements.
A public ceremony will be held in Chicago, the family said
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Who was Jesse Jackson?Jackson grew up in the segregated southern United States and developed a close relationship with Martin Luther King. He made two attempts to secure the Democratic presidential nomination.
Jackson endured multiple controversies yet was recognized as America’s foremost civil rights leader for many years.
He sought the Democratic presidential nomination in both 1984 and 1988, winning the support of black voters as well as numerous white liberals with unexpectedly strong campaigns, but was ultimately unsuccessful in becoming the first black nominee of a major party for the White House. Ultimately, he never held elected office.
Jackson founded the Chicago-based civil rights organization Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, and he served as special envoy to Africa for Democratic President Bill Clinton in the 1990s. Additionally, Jackson was instrumental in the release of several Americans and others held overseas in countries such as Syria, Cuba, Iraq, and Serbia.