Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at age 84

Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson has died at age 84, his family has announced, marking the end of an era for one of America's most influential activists in the fight for racial equality. Jackson, who rose to prominence as a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and later became a presidential candidate, leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for civil rights, social justice, and economic empowerment that spanned more than five decades. Throughout his career, Jackson founded organizations like Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, becoming a prominent voice for African Americans and other marginalized communities across the nation. His family confirmed his passing in a statement that highlighted his lifelong commitment to 'challenging America to live up to its ideals of equality and justice for all,' while tributes poured in from political leaders, civil rights activists, and community organizations recognizing his profound impact on American society.