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Jesse Jackson Mourned by Al Sharpton, Kamala Harris and More
Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson passed away on Tuesday morning after a long battle with a hospitalizing nuerological condition.
Civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson has died at age 84. He rose to prominence working and marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1960s, before continuing to fight in the wake of King’s death and eventually running twice for president of the United States.
He died Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his nonprofit social justice organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
“His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless – from his presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote – leaving an indelible mark on history,” the statement read.
Rev. Jackson’s death amplifies and underscores his impact on society and culture. Many notables across social media paying tribute to the activist and leader. Family members, colleagues and peers shared what he has meant to them.
Reverend Jesse Jackson to all but grandpa to me. This feels so surreal, my heart aches. Thankful to have known you in this life time. Grateful that i can still see your face when i look in the mirror. 🕊️🤍 pic.twitter.com/Hv2w9QyFp4
— the demon on his kneecaps (@j_donatella) February 17, 2026
We are heartbroken by the passing of Jesse Jackson — a towering icon of the Civil Rights Movement and a dear friend.
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) February 17, 2026
From marching with Martin Luther King Jr. to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and running historic presidential campaigns, Reverend Jackson never stopped… pic.twitter.com/aNPgwSb0ZU
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. devoted his life to lifting people in poverty, the marginalized, and those pushed to society’s edges. Through Operation PUSH, he pushed barriers and opened doors so Black people and other excluded communities could step into opportunity and dignity.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) February 17, 2026
With… pic.twitter.com/ryC3aOqBb5
Today we mourn the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a giant of the civil rights movement who never stopped demanding that America live up to its promise.⁰⁰He marched, he ran, he organized and he preached justice without apology.⁰⁰May we honor him not just in words, but in…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 17, 2026
Reverend Jesse Jackson was one of America’s greatest patriots. He spent his life summoning all of us to fulfill the promise of America and building the coalitions to make that promise real.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 17, 2026
A son of Greenville, South Carolina, Reverend Jackson first rose to the national stage as… pic.twitter.com/yLHr9N6hDy
America has lost one of its great moral voices. Reverend Jesse Jackson spent his life working to ensure our nation lives up to its highest ideals. From his early days as a young staffer with Dr. King onto the national stage, he fought for freedom, racial justice, equality, and… pic.twitter.com/fLfBvv2m6D
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) February 17, 2026
Rev. Jesse Jackson understood the immense promise of America and his role in shaping its destiny. With courage, tenacity and an audacious spirit, he widened our capacity for imagining true unity and deepened our commitment to justice for all. I was one of the lucky beneficiaries… pic.twitter.com/HnSETZ4nBI
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) February 17, 2026
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. was a legendary voice for the voiceless, powerful civil rights champion and trailblazer extraordinaire.
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) February 17, 2026
For decades, while laboring in the vineyards of the community, he inspired us to keep hope alive in the struggle for liberty and justice for all.… pic.twitter.com/bhBVq9SKdQ