• Jesse Jackson, influential civil rights leader, died at age 84, surrounded by family.
• He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 and later progressive supranuclear palsy.
• Jackson was a key figure in the civil rights movement and twice ran for U.S. president.
• His legacy includes founding Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
• The Jackson family emphasized his commitment to justice and equality for marginalized communities.

Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent figure in the U.S. civil rights movement and two-time presidential candidate, passed away at the age of 84 on February 17, surrounded by family. His family described him as a "servant leader" dedicated to advocating for the oppressed and voiceless around the world, reflecting on his "unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love" that inspired millions, according to CBS News, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

Jackson's health struggles began in 2017 when he revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which progressed to a rare neurological condition known as progressive supranuclear palsy. His family confirmed he died at home after battling these conditions for several years, as reported by Los Angeles Times and India Times.

Initially born Jesse Louis Burns in Greenville, South Carolina, he grew up in a segregated environment that shaped his lifelong commitment to fighting for civil rights. He was involved in the civil rights movement from a young age, notably participating in his first sit-in in 1960 and becoming an aide to Martin Luther King Jr. through his work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

Jackson's presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 were groundbreaking as he became the first African American to gain substantial attention in the race for the Democratic nomination, capturing significant voter support. He attracted approximately 3.5 million votes in 1984 and 7 million in 1988, which laid the groundwork for future African American candidates and highlighted issues of racial and economic inequality, according to CBS News, India Times, and Reuters.

Beyond his presidential bids, Jackson founded several organizations aimed at promoting social justice, including Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, focusing on economic empowerment and civil rights advocacy. His speeches and public engagements often emphasized themes of hope, such as his famous slogan "Keep hope alive," inspiring many to advocate for change, as highlighted by Los Angeles Times, Al Jazeera, and Channel News Asia.