First Thing: Obama, Clinton and Biden lead tributes to Jesse Jackson, ‘one of America’s greatest patriots’

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84. Jackson was a prominent figure in the 1960s US civil rights movement and the first African-American to transition from activism to presidential politics. In 1971, he founded Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity), advocating for inner-city education and black employment. Jackson ran for president twice, in 1984 and 1988. Throughout his life, Jackson remained active in social justice causes, including participating in demonstrations after the death of George Floyd in 2020. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.

Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84, as reported on February 17, 2026. Jackson was a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement, known for his work alongside Martin Luther King Jr. He gained further recognition through his two presidential campaigns. Jackson became one of the most influential Black political figures in American history. His death marks the loss of a significant leader in the fight for equality and social justice in the United States.

Following the death of Jesse Jackson at age 84, political leaders across the U.S. are paying tribute to him as a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. Al Sharpton, a fellow civil rights campaigner, lauded Jackson as a transformative leader who impacted both the nation and the world. Senior Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, are also honoring Jackson's legacy, highlighting his influence on public policy and his inspiration to generations. Harris specifically recalled Jackson's presidential campaigns and his ability to unite diverse communities. Other Democrats, such as Pete Buttigieg and Raphael Warnock, emphasized Jackson's lifelong dedication to civil rights and his role in advancing the pursuit of equal justice.

The article highlights Rev. Jesse Jackson's extensive career as a civil rights advocate, spanning several decades. It showcases his involvement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s, including a photo taken the day before King's assassination. The article also references Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign and his work with Operation PUSH, a Chicago-based organization focused on economic empowerment and social justice. Images accompanying the article depict Jackson at various points in his career, including appearances at the Democratic National Convention and community events. The article emphasizes Jackson's role as a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights and equality throughout his life.

The Associated Press is republishing a 1983 profile of Rev. Jesse Jackson, originally written by Sharon Cohen, as he prepared for his 1984 presidential campaign. At the time, Jackson was a 41-year-old civil rights activist. The profile highlights Jackson's deep religious conviction and his self-perception as a prophetic figure driven to challenge societal injustices, similar to leaders like Jesus, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. Jackson saw his potential candidacy as a continuation of this mission, aiming to guide others "out of the wilderness." Jackson passed away at the age of 84.