Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights icon and two-time presidential candidate, dies at 84
Source: NBC News
Feb. 17, 2026, 4:30 AM EST / Updated Feb. 17, 2026, 4:52 AM EST
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the longtime civil rights activist, Baptist minister and two-time presidential candidate, died Tuesday, his family said. He was 84.
"Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said in a statement. “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 uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”
A cause of death was not immediately given. His family said he died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
He was admitted to a hospital in November and had been living for more than a decade with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), according to his Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which affects patients’ ability to walk and swallow and can lead to dangerous complications.
Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/rev-jesse-jackson-civil-rights-activist-dies-rcna42408
Just breaking and heard on the radio.
This one is heart-breaking
= new reply since forum marked as read
This one hurts. The greatest leaders of the justice movement are leaving the planet.
RIP
I’d rather not concentrate on anyone but Rev. Jackson at this time.
But I only remarked because of your "End of an era" comment and IMHO, there's never an "end", just a passing on to the next generation.
The Sesame Street, Electric Company, Reading Rainbow, 321 Contact, etc. etc. Era.
Psst - BRDS -
I am somebody. 
This one hurts, but he was so sick. May he rest in power and have joy wherever his spirit has flown to.
made me seriously choke up. 
(and especially now watching it all being "ripped away" and no one cares)
A great person.
Given the recent health problems, it's probably a relief for his loved ones, knowing that Rev. Jackson is finally free from pain and physical difficulties. Prayers for this decent and holy man, and for his loved ones.
Rest in Peace.. great man!
We lost a real leader
RIP
I was touched by the beautiful statement by the family.
Rest in peace Jesse.
Thank you, Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Rest in Peace AND Power, Reverend Jackson.
My mother, who was an old school rock-ribbed Goldwater Republican, told me she wanted to vote for Jesse. Oh my. 
The man had appeal. I nearly had a heart attack. Thank you Jesse, you changed my family for the better.
And in our hearts.
Thank you for your service, Reverend.
...........R.I.P., Jesse Jackson............