The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the civil rights movement, has passed away at the age of 84. His death on Tuesday morning, surrounded by family, marks the end of an era, but his legacy is far from over.
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Jackson’s family shared a moving statement: “His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity.” And while those words sum up much of what Jackson fought for, they only scratch the surface of his impact.
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For decades, Jackson was a tireless advocate for the voiceless, using his platform not just as a preacher, but as a presidential candidate, civil rights leader, and social justice champion. From the 1980s onward, Jackson’s efforts to mobilize communities were unparalleled, urging millions to register to vote and pushing for policies that uplifted marginalized groups. And in one of his most poignant statements, his family put it simply: “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family.”
Marriage Equality? LGTBQ Rights? Jackson Was There
What’s striking about Jackson’s fight for justice is how consistently he stood for the rights of those often forgotten. Even in his later years, he spoke out for causes that resonated deeply with the LGBTQ+ community. In 2010, as California’s Proposition 8—a state ban on gay marriage—was being challenged, Jackson made his voice heard: “Gays and lesbians are America’s newest second-class citizens,” he declared, calling for the ban to be struck down.
“I support the right for any person to marry the person of their choosing,” he said. His words were not just an endorsement of marriage equality but a passionate plea for the recognition of love and commitment as human rights—fundamental rights that, for too long, had been denied to LGBTQ+ people.
Jackson’s unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community was a natural extension of his broader commitment to civil rights. He fought for justice not just on racial lines, but for all people facing discrimination. In a world that too often sets up artificial boundaries between “us” and “them,” Jackson’s message was always one of inclusion: “Marriage is based on love and commitment—not on sexual orientation.”
Parkinson’s and Perseverance
In 2017, Jackson shared that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition that robs the body of its ability to control movements. But like everything else in his life, he faced it head-on, never allowing it to overshadow the causes that mattered most. Even as his physical health declined, his spirit remained unbroken, serving as a testament to the resilience and tenacity that defined his life.
His public announcement about Parkinson’s, though personal, became another moment in which Jackson inspired millions—not just with his activism, but with his sheer willpower. He may have faced a devastating disease, but he continued to show up for his community and his causes.
The Celebration of Life Ahead
Jackson’s family and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition will soon announce plans for a celebration of life, and with that, the world will gather to honor the man who spent his life fighting for freedom and dignity. Public observances are already planned in Chicago, the city that was both home to Jackson and the place where he shaped much of his remarkable legacy.
Though Jackson may no longer be with us, his call for justice, equality, and love lives on in the fight for marriage equality, racial justice, and human rights. As his family put it: “We ask you to honour his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”
@imyagirleva To the great Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., thank you and rest well. ✊🏾🕊️ Rev. Jackson answered the call on his life and executed a decades long ministry of service, leadership, and care. Like many who stepped into activism and community work, his legacy and dedication has deeply inspired me. He showed us to stand against injustice is Godly work. He showed us to care for people is our assignment. Every time he visited a church, a march, or an event it was just a reminder of all our people have endured and the power of our resilience. Chicago is so blessed to have had him for the time we did. We will miss you and we will never forget you 🤍 #chicago #jessejackson #blackhistorymonth
And with that, we’ll do exactly that—because the world Rev. Jesse Jackson dreamed of, where all people are treated with dignity, equality, and respect, is the world we continue to build.
Rest in power, Rev. Jackson.
Source: HRC, Rainbow Push, and Parkinson