US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies aged 84

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete February 17, 2026 at 07:55 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson died at age 84 on Tuesday, surrounded by family. Jackson, who had been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy and hospitalized late last year, was known for his activism, presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, and work with Martin Luther King, Jr. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a nonprofit focused on social justice and civil rights. Tributes poured in, including from Barack Obama, who credited Jackson's presidential runs with paving the way for his own. Jackson is survived by his wife and their six children. His family highlighted his commitment to justice, equality, and human rights, noting his impact on global movements for freedom and dignity.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Democrats 40% Michelle Obama 40% Jacqueline Jackson 50% Martin Luther King, Jr. 60% United States 60% Rainbow PUSH Coalition ×270% Barack Obama ×380% Jesse Jackson ×10100%

Keywords

jesse jackson 100% civil rights 90% social justice 70% rainbow push coalition 60% progressive supranuclear palsy 50% presidential campaigns 50% barack obama 50% human rights 40%