Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson: Civil Rights Icon and Grammy Winner Passes Away at 84
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a Grammy-winning orator, has died at the age of 84. His legacy of activism and advocacy leaves an indelible mark on American history.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, arguably the most prominent Black leader in the U.S. between the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 and the rise of Sen. Barack Obama in 2004, passed away on Tuesday, February 17th, at the age of 84.
Jackson, who had been battling progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) for over a decade, died at home surrounded by his family. His daughter, Santita Jackson, confirmed the news to the Associated Press. He was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 before the PSP diagnosis was confirmed in April.
"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.”
Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, released a statement reflecting on their close relationship: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson Jr. Jesse was not only a towering leader of the Civil Rights Movement — he was family. He stood with me, with my family, with Motown, and with our community through moments of hope, struggle, and profound change. He stood with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and it was Jesse who brought Dr. King to Hitsville in 1963, just days before the historic Great March to Freedom in Detroit — a moment that forever connected music, movement, and mission.”
Gordy continued, “In the most difficult and uncertain times, Jesse never failed to remind us of what we were fighting for. His courage, his faith, and his unwavering belief in justice gave strength to countless people, myself included. Even as the road grew harder in recent years, Jesse never surrendered his spirit. He fought with dignity, purpose, and grace. Jesse Jackson was a force of history — a moral voice, a builder of bridges, and a champion for those whose voices were too often ignored. His legacy will live on not only in books and speeches, but in the lives he touched and the progress he helped make possible. My deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Jacqueline, his children, and all who loved him.”
In 1989, a recording of a Jackson speech won a Grammy for best spoken word or non-musical recording. The track, “Speech by Rev. Jesse Jackson [July 27th],” appeared on Aretha Franklin‘s gospel album One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism (Arista Records). The date refers to the recording in 1987.
Jackson received his first Grammy nomination in 1980 for best soul gospel performance, contemporary for Push for Excellence (Myrrh Records), featuring gospel stars like Walter Hawkins & Family, Edwin Hawkins, Jessy Dixon and Andrae Crouch. He received his second Grammy nod in 1985 for best spoken word or non-musical recording for Our Time Has Come (MCA Records).
In 1988, Jackson received the President’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards. In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, S.C., Jackson traveled to Washington, D.C., in the summer of 1963 and heard Dr. King deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech. He later participated in the Selma-to-Montgomery march and met King, becoming one of his youngest aides.
In April 1968, Jackson was with King in Memphis when the civil rights leader was assassinated.
Jackson appeared on the cover of TIME in April 1970. He later formed PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) to boost minority employment and ownership.
Jackson was a pioneer in urging Black Americans to vote, empowering marginalized communities. His signature rally chant, “I am somebody,” resonated deeply. He helped elect Black mayors in cities like Gary, Indiana; Newark, New Jersey; and Cleveland, Ohio.
He was the first Black presidential candidate to gain significant traction, receiving 3.5 million votes in the 1984 Democratic primaries. In 1988, he garnered 7 million votes, finishing second to Michael S. Dukakis. Despite his powerful speeches, he was never chosen as a VP nominee.
His 1988 campaign was taken seriously. TIME featured him on the cover with the headline “Jesse!?”.
Jackson had a complex relationship with Clinton. In 1992, Clinton used the “Sister Souljah moment” to distance himself from certain viewpoints. Despite this, Jackson hoped to be Clinton’s VP but Al Gore was chosen. In 2000, President Clinton awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
By the 2000s, with more Black leaders in various fields, Jackson's prominence waned. He was present at Grant Park in Chicago when President-elect Obama accepted his victory, a poignant moment for him.
Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and six children: Jesse Jr., Yusef, Jonathan, Jacqueline, Santita, and Ashley.
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