The Rev. Jesse Jackson, an American civil rights leader, minister, and politician, who was a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. and in the 1980s reshaped Democratic politics with two galvanizing presidential campaigns, died Tuesday at the age of 84.
Jackson was a well-known figure in Chicago and the founder of the Rainbow Push Coalition, a non-profit organization that advocates for social justice, civil rights, and political activism focusing on marginalized communities.
According to the Jackson family, public commemorations will take place in Chicago. Officials and organizations from Illinois are paying tribute and remembering Jackson.
Rev. Jesse Jackson was a giant of the civil rights movement.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) February 17, 2026
He broke down barriers, inspired generations, and kept hope alive. Our state, nation, and world are better due to his years of service.
I’m ordering flags to half-mast to honor him.
May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/f5wt6QGkjW
Reverend Jesse Jackson committed his life to the fight for civil rights. I counted him as a friend and ally on many issues of social justice.
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) February 17, 2026
My deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.
Rev. Jackson was a barrier-breaking civil rights giant who spent his life working to improve lives by patching America together into a great quilt of unity and common ground.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) February 17, 2026
We are better because of him.
He will be missed by so many, myself included.
And now it's on each… https://t.co/9hUaaPsly0
— RainbowPUSHCoalition (@RPCoalition) February 17, 2026
Reverend Jesse Jackson showed us what it means to keep hope alive.
— Robin Kelly (@RepRobinKelly) February 17, 2026
His faith, courage, and lifelong fight for justice improved our democracy and inspired generations.
I’m honored to have called Rev. Jackson a friend, supporter, and constituent. May he rest in power. pic.twitter.com/EgM3yGyWgq
Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering champion of civil rights and human rights who devoted his life to expanding the promise of America. Those of us who knew him saw firsthand his unwavering commitment to justice and dignity for all. May we honor his legacy by continuing his work. pic.twitter.com/mk3MDPdMwZ
— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) February 17, 2026
Today we lost a powerful voice for a better tomorrow—my friend, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. pic.twitter.com/aATJEGlIcj
— Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton (@LtGovStratton) February 17, 2026
I am heartbroken by the passing of my friend, mentor, and giant of the movement, the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr..**
— Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (@SpeakerWelchIL) February 17, 2026
Rev. Jackson was more than a civil rights icon — he was a builder of hope. Through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he turned pain into purpose and protest into… pic.twitter.com/2Y1yuNxm76
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon released the following statement:
“The Rev. Jackson was a hero, a champion, a rabble-rouser and a front-row participant to history. He spent his life challenging the status quo, fighting for underdogs and pushing society forward toward justice and equality. We are all indeed better because of his work and commitment. We can honor his legacy by keeping the fight alive and always seeking that better tomorrow. May he forever rest in peace.”
Reverend Jesse Jackson committed his life to the fight for civil rights. I counted him as a friend and ally on many issues of social justice.
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) February 17, 2026
My deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.
Rev. Jackson was a barrier-breaking civil rights giant who spent his life working to improve lives by patching America together into a great quilt of unity and common ground.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) February 17, 2026
We are better because of him.
He will be missed by so many, myself included.
And now it's on each… https://t.co/9hUaaPsly0
NPR contributed to this report.