Reverend Jesse Jackson died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. He was an important African American leader. Let’s take a look at his life.
Jesse Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941. He grew up very poor. He attended college on a football scholarship. In college, Jackson became involved in the Civil Rights Movement. After college, he moved to Chicago. He attended a seminary, a school that trains ministers.
In 1965, Jackson joined a protest for voting rights in Alabama led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Afterwards, Jackson became a leader in Dr. King’s organization. He led Operation Breadbasket in Chicago. This was a series of boycotts to convince companies to hire African American workers.
After the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackson was officially became minister. Reverend Jackson continued to work for civil rights. He formed his own organizations. One organization was called the Rainbow Coalition. It was made to bring people of all different backgrounds together.
In 1984, Reverend Jackson ran for president. He ran again in 1988 and had more success. He did not win the Democratic Party’s nomination. He did give memorable speeches at the Democratic National Conventions. He dared his audience to “keep hope alive.” His presidential campaigns were a foundation for Barack Obama to become the first African American president.
Reverend Jackson died peacefully in his home. He was surrounded by friends and family. He was 84 years old.
What Do You Think? What causes are important to you? How would you like to be remembered?
Photo Credit: A1C Robinson/National Archive Catalog
