Jesse Jackson Dies at 84: Civil Rights Icon and Presidential Candidate Remembered by World Leaders

A Giant of Civil Rights Passes Away

Reverend Jesse Jackson, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history, has died peacefully at the age of 84. His family confirmed the news on Tuesday morning, marking the end of a remarkable six-decade career fighting for justice, equality, and human dignity.

Jackson rose to prominence working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s and went on to become a national political force through his two historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. His "Rainbow Coalition" brought together marginalized communities and fundamentally transformed the Democratic Party.

Tributes Pour In From World Leaders

Former President Barack Obama led the tributes, calling Jackson "a true giant" and acknowledging that "we stood on his shoulders." Obama revealed that Michelle Obama got her first glimpse of political organizing at the Jacksons' kitchen table as a teenager, and that Jackson's presidential campaigns laid the foundation for his own historic run to the White House.

President Donald Trump described Jackson as "a force of nature like few others before him" with "lots of personality, grit and street smarts." Former President Joe Biden said Jackson was "unafraid of the work to redeem the soul of our nation" and led with "a relentless insistence on what is right and just."

Former Vice President Kamala Harris called him "one of America's greatest patriots" who "gave a voice to people who were removed from power and politics." She recalled driving with a "Jesse Jackson for President" bumper sticker as a student and receiving thumbs up from people of all walks of life.

International Diplomat and Humanitarian

Beyond his domestic civil rights work, Jackson was known for his international diplomacy. In 1999, during NATO's bombing campaign in Yugoslavia, he flew to Belgrade and successfully negotiated the release of three captured U.S. soldiers after 33 days in captivity.

French President Emmanuel Macron honored Jackson as a "tireless promoter for civil rights" who worked to defend peace, justice, and fraternity. Macron had awarded Jackson the Légion d'Honneur in 2021 for his lifelong work.

Jackson also met with global icons including Nelson Mandela, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and members of the British Royal Family, demonstrating his international reach and respect.

"Keep Hope Alive" - A Lasting Legacy

Jackson's famous 1988 Democratic Convention speech, where he declared "I'm a working person's person" and ended with "keep hope alive," became a defining moment in American political history. His message of hope and change would echo decades later in Obama's 2008 campaign slogan.

Biographer David Masciotra, author of "I Am Somebody: Why Jesse Jackson Matters," said Jackson's campaigns "altered the demography and ideology of the Democratic Party" by registering millions of first-time voters from Black, Latino, Native American, and Asian communities.

Jackson was also the first presidential candidate to make support for gay rights a major part of his platform and pledged to select a woman running mate if nominated - positions that were ahead of their time but eventually became mainstream.

Family and Final Years

Jackson's granddaughter, Donatella Jackson, paid tribute on Instagram, saying her "heart aches" and that it is "a blessing to carry your name forward, to be a reminder of a love that has endured."

In his final years, Jackson battled Parkinson's disease but continued to inspire those around him. Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, whom Jackson helped secure a commutation from President Trump, recalled seeing Jackson "heroically and courageously facing the terrible Parkinson's disease" just last summer.

Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., posted a photograph of her father alongside Jackson with the simple caption "both now ancestors," marking the passing of another giant from the civil rights era.

Remembering a Legend

Jesse Jackson's life spanned some of the most pivotal moments in American history - from the civil rights marches of the 1960s to the election of the first Black president. He was a preacher, activist, politician, and diplomat who never stopped fighting for what he believed was right.

As House Democrats leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote, Jackson "was a legendary voice for the voiceless" who "inspired us to keep hope alive in the struggle for liberty and justice for all." His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of activists and leaders.

For more coverage, you can follow the BBC's live updates on tributes and reactions from around the world.