Reverend Jesse Jackson Dies at 81
Civil rights icon and former presidential candidate Reverend Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 81, his family announced on Friday, august 25, 2023.The cause of death was complications from Parkinson’s disease and, more recently, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare and severe neurodegenerative disorder.
Jackson dedicated his life to fighting for justice, equality, and human rights, becoming a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. He worked closely wiht Martin Luther King Jr., and was with him in memphis when King was assassinated in 1968.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, on October 14, 1941, to a teenage single mother, Jackson overcame significant obstacles to become a powerful voice for the marginalized. he rose to prominence as a leader in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and later founded Operation PUSH in 1971. Operation PUSH, initially focused on empowering African Americans, evolved into the National Rainbow Coalition in 1996, becoming the Rainbow PUSH coalition – a multi-racial, multi-issue association dedicated to civil rights and social justice both domestically and internationally.
Jackson launched two bids for the Democratic presidential nomination, in 1984 and 1988, achieving significant success and mobilizing millions of voters. He consistently advocated for policies aimed at addressing poverty, inequality, and discrimination. He encouraged voter registration and participation, leaving a lasting impact on the political landscape.
He publicly revealed his battle with Parkinson’s disease in 2017, and in late 2023, his organization announced he was receiving treatment for PSP. He officially stepped down as leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 2023.
Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline davis, and their five children. His legacy as an “incansable agente de cambio” (tireless agent of change) and a champion for the voiceless will continue to inspire generations.
Sources:
* https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jesse-jackson-dead-civil-rights-leader-dies-81-rcna98498
* https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/25/us/jesse-jackson-dead.html
* https://www.primerahora.com/noticias/estados-unidos/muere-el-reverendo-jesse-jackson-a-los-81-anos/
* https://www.rainbowpushcoalition.org/
* https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesse-Jackson
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