Faith
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Faith Leader, Passes at 84
Faith Facts
- Rev. Jesse Jackson, Baptist minister and civil rights leader, dies at 84, leaving a broad legacy.
- Jackson rose from humble beginnings in South Carolina to national prominence within Christian and civil rights circles.
- Despite personal and family struggles, Jackson’s public ministry advocated for justice and equality.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, known for defending the downtrodden and proclaiming justice from a faith-driven perspective, has died at 84. He is survived by his wife, six children, and grandchildren.
“Our father was a servant leader—not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family shared.
Jackson, born in 1941, overcame challenges as the son of a single mother, excelling academically and embarking on a journey of ministerial service. He engaged in activism alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during his formative years at the Chicago Theological Seminary.
The Rev. Jamal Bryant recalled, “While other boys my age wanted to be Michael Jordan, I wanted to be Jesse Jackson. His poise, passion and purpose was my blueprint.”
Jackson was ordained a Baptist minister and established prominent organizations advancing civil rights and economic opportunity, including PUSH and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. He twice sought the presidency, challenging stereotypes and promoting unity under a vision anchored in faith.
Despite setbacks arising from personal sins and family scandals, Jackson accepted responsibility publicly and continued his mission of service. He also faced serious health struggles in his later years, including Parkinson’s disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, but remained beloved by many and was honored as a delegate at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Christians are called to remember the importance of steadfast faith and personal responsibility in the public sphere, learning from both the triumphs and failures of those who have gone before us. Let us honor Rev. Jackson’s legacy by standing firm for righteousness, justice, and family values in our communities.