Jesse Jackson dead at 84

Jesse Jackson dead at 84
Credit: Photo by jean-Louis Atlan/Sygma via Getty Images

Jesse Jackson, prominent American civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and political leader who has played a major role in social justice movements for more than five décades, has died. A close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he was present during key moments of the civil rights era and later founded organizations such as Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition to promote economic and racial equality.

Jackson ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, breaking barriers for Black candidates in national politics. Known for his powerful oratory and advocacy, Jesse Jackson remained an influential public figure.

He was 84 years old.