Euronews • 2/17/2026

Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader and two-time U.S. presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84. His family announced that he "died peacefully" on Tuesday. Jackson was a significant figure in the civil rights movement, advocating for the rights of Black Americans and other marginalized communities since the 1960s. He was known for his charismatic presence and eloquent speeches, which made him a media-savvy activist. Jackson ran for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, marking him as a notable figure in U.S. political history. He was closely associated with Martin Luther King Jr. and played a vital role in various civil rights initiatives. His family described him as a "servant leader" who dedicated his life not only to his family but also to the oppressed and overlooked individuals around the world. Throughout his life, Jackson's activism and leadership left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of civil rights advocates. He was raised in the segregated South and became a long-time resident of Chicago, where he continued his work in civil rights and social justice. His contributions to the movement and his efforts to uplift marginalized communities have been widely recognized and celebrated.
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