15 hours agoCivil Rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at 84

The Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and a relentless advocate for social justice, died peacefully on Tuesday at the age of 84, his family confirmed. Known for his fiery oratory and unyielding commitment to equality, Jackson’s life was a testament to the enduring struggle for civil rights in the United States. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation of activists who pushed the country toward a more inclusive democracy, from the streets of Chicago to the corridors of power in Washington and beyond.

Born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson’s early experiences with segregation and racial injustice shaped his path. He rose to national prominence as a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., joining the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and participating in pivotal civil rights campaigns during the 1960s.

He was by King’s side during the tumultuous years leading up to King’s assassination in 1968 and inherited a mantle of leadership that he would carry for the next five decades. Jackson’s activism was multifaceted. He led Operation Breadbasket, an SCLC initiative in Chicago aimed at improving economic opportunities for Black Americans through boycotts and negotiations with businesses.

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Later, he founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), which evolved into the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, cementing his role as a national figure fighting for racial, economic, and social justice. His work extended beyond the United States, where he championed human rights causes globally, using his platform to speak out against apartheid in South Africa and advocate for peace in the Middle East. His political ambitions were historic.

In 1984 and again in 1988, Jackson sought the Democratic presidential nomination, breaking barriers as the second African American to mount a nationwide campaign for the presidency after Shirley Chisholm. Although he did not secure the nomination, his campaigns energized millions of voters, particularly Black Americans, and transformed the Democratic Party’s approach to race and economic justice. His rallying cry to “Keep Hope Alive” became an anthem for those seeking change in an era marked by racial tensions and economic disparity.

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