The United States mourns the passing of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a towering figure in the civil rights movement and a relentless advocate for the marginalised, who died on Tuesday morning at the age of 84. Jackson, a two-time presidential hopeful and the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, dedicated his life to amplifying the voices of the oppressed and challenging systemic injustice, leaving an indelible mark on American society and beyond.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, Jackson’s formative years were steeped in the harsh realities of segregation. His early activism, notably a courageous protest in July 1960 at a whites-only public library alongside seven other Black students, presaged a lifelong commitment to dismantling discriminatory barriers. This foundational experience ignited a passion that would propel him into the heart of the burgeoning civil rights struggle, where he soon found a crucial mentor in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Under King's tutelage, Jackson honed his oratorical skills and strategic acumen, travelling to Selma in the wake of the brutal "Bloody Sunday" attack, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom.
Jackson's influence extended far beyond direct action. His two ambitious presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, though unsuccessful, were watershed moments that significantly reshaped the Democratic Party. By mobilising millions and bringing Black voters to the forefront of national politics, he fundamentally altered the party's coalition and laid crucial groundwork for future political leaders, including Barack Obama, who benefited from the expanded political landscape Jackson helped forge. Michelle Obama herself recalled early political awakening at Jackson's kitchen table, underscoring his profound impact on a generation.
Beyond his presidential aspirations, Jackson established the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a non-profit organisation that continued his work championing social justice and civil rights. His advocacy was broad, extending support to overlooked communities, including Arab Americans. James Zogby, a prominent Arab American activist and former deputy campaign manager for Jackson, noted the leader's commitment to amplifying calls for Palestinian self-determination. This inclusive vision underscored Jackson's belief that the struggle for justice knew no borders and demanded unwavering persistence, even in the face of formidable opposition.
Jackson's personal life was rich with family. He was married to Jacqueline Brown Jackson, and together they raised six children: Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline, and Ashley. His final years were marked by a struggle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative disease, and he had been hospitalised on several occasions, including twice with Covid-19. Yet, even as his health declined, his spirit of advocacy remained a powerful force.
The passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., is mourned not only by his family, who announced his death with profound sadness, but by countless individuals and communities worldwide who found hope and strength in his unwavering voice. Chicago, where he resided and continued his work, is filled with residents expressing gratitude for his enduring contributions. His life’s work serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice requires courage, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to uplifting the voiceless. His legacy is woven into the fabric of American progress, a testament to a life lived in service of a more equitable and just world.