Rev. Jesse Jackson Dead at 84 After Years of Health Battles [WATCH]

Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday morning at the age of 84.

Jackson, a former presidential candidate, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, his family said in a Facebook statement announcing his passing.

They said he “elevated the voices of the voiceless” and left an “indelible mark” in history.

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“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” his family said.

“We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family.

“His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”

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His death followed years of declining health. He was hospitalized in Chicago last November for progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease.

The family had previously announced that he was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but that the PSP diagnosis was confirmed last April.

“He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; however, last April, his PSP condition was confirmed. The family appreciates all prayers at this time.”

On Nov. 16, his family responded to what they described as “inaccurate media reports” claiming he was on a form of life support after suffering a significant drop in blood pressure.

They said he remained “in stable condition” and was “breathing without the assistance of machines.”

“In fact, today he called for 2,000 churches to prepare 2,000 baskets of food to prevent malnutrition during the holiday season,” his son, Yusef, said in a statement at the time.

Jackson, widely known as a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., built a national profile through decades of activism and political involvement. He became one of the most recognizable figures in the civil rights movement and remained active in public life for years.

He was among the first major national leaders to advocate for reparations for descendants of black slaves.

Jackson sought the Democratic presidential nomination twice, launching campaigns in 1984 and again in 1988.

His candidacies drew national attention and expanded his political influence.

In 2000, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Bill Clinton in recognition of his contributions to civil rights and public service.

In recent years, Jackson faced a series of health challenges. In 2017, he announced publicly that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

In 2021, he underwent gallbladder surgery. That same year, he was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19.

He was also hospitalized after falling and hitting his head during a visit to Howard University.

It was not immediately clear when he was first diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition that can affect walking, balance, and swallowing.

Jackson’s passing marks the end of a decades-long public career that spanned activism, presidential politics, and religious leadership.

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