Jesse Jackson dies at 84: civil rights leader who paved the way for Barack Obama

Civil rights activist, Baptist pastor and American politician Jesse Jackson died this Tuesday at the age of 84. His family highlighted that “his unwavering faith in justice, equality and love inspired millions of people.”

Known for his work alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s, Jackson dedicated his life to breaking down social and political barriers that limited the space of African Americans, becoming a global leader in the fight for equality.

KING’S COMPANION AND PIONEER IN POLITICS

Born on October 8, 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson began his activism under the guidance of King in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He later founded PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and the National Rainbow Coalition, which he later unified in 1996.

His national visibility grew with his 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, becoming the first African-American to make it this far in a Democratic primary and placing racial and social justice issues at the center of the debate.

“My constituents are the desperate, the damned, the disinherited, the ignored, the despised,” he said at the 1984 Democratic convention, summarizing his mission to give a voice to those who had historically been ignored.

YOUR LIFE, A CONSTANT COMMITMENT

Jackson was present at some of the most iconic moments in American history:

• Crying after the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968 in Memphis.
• Celebrating Barack Obama’s victory in 2008.
• Accompanying the family of George Floyd after the verdict against Derek Chauvin in 2021, reiterating that “the fight for equality is a long fight in this country.”

In addition to domestic activism, Jackson had an international diplomatic role: mediator for the end of apartheid in South Africa, special emissary to Africa under the Bill Clinton administration and negotiator to free hostages in Syria, Iraq and Serbia.

CONTROVERSIES AND CHALLENGES

While his career was groundbreaking, he also faced criticism. In 1984, during his presidential campaign, he made comments considered anti-Semitic that led him to publicly apologize. Meetings with international leaders, such as Hugo Chávez, generated controversy, as did his presence at funerals and high-profile political events.

In 2017 he announced that he suffered from Parkinson’s disease, which reduced his public presence, although he continued to participate in key events, such as that of the Floyd family in 2021.

IMMORTAL LEGACY

Beyond controversies, Jesse Jackson will be remembered as a tireless defender of civil rights, a pioneer in American politics and a mentor for generations seeking justice and equality. His influence paved the way for Barack Obama’s arrival in the White House and for millions of black Americans to feel represented.