Remembering the Legendary Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

Story by Savion Stamps. Photo courtesy of The Washington Informer. 

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr was an American civil rights activist, politician, and ordained Baptist minister.  Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 84. Jackson spent more than 60 years as a towering civil rights leader, ordained minister, and transformative political figure.

Jackson was born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Helen Burns and Noah Louis Robinson. He attended Sterling High School in Greenville, followed by the University of Illinois and North Carolina A&T State University.

During his career, Jackson was a pivotal civil rights leader who served as a protégé to Martin Luther King Jr., marched in Selma in 1965, and went on to lead major initiatives such as Operation Breadbasket and Operation PUSH. Beyond his professional achievements, Jackson was known for his commanding oratorical style, charismatic presence, and an "unrelenting drive to succeed.” He frequently met with world leaders, from Nelson Mandela to Fidel Castro, to negotiate the release of prisoners and hostages, acting as a shadow diplomat. Friends and family described him as a tireless worker, a "mighty lion," and a "force of nature" who was fiercely committed to his causes, even when suffering from the sickle-cell trait. He often used his spare time to engage with local community members, including visiting street organizations to steer youth toward better opportunities.

Jackson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jacqueline Jackson and their five children: Santita Jackson, former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, Yusef Jackson, and Jacqueline Lavinia Jackson. He is also survived by his daughter, Ashley Jackson (born 1999 to Karin Stanford), and numerous grandchildren. 

Savion Stamps is a sophomore at Friendship Collegiate Academy.