Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, has been hospitalized in Chicago due to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a debilitating neurodegenerative condition. NBC Chicago reported the hospitalization, citing an anonymous source familiar with Jackson's health status; the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization founded by Jackson, confirmed the diagnosis in a statement, noting that he "has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for more than a decade."
Initially receiving a Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2017, it was only in April of last year that Jackson's condition was confirmed as PSP, a statement from Rainbow PUSH detailed, adding that the family "appreciates all prayers at this time." As a civil rights leader, Jackson's activism roots trace back to working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and he continued to be a potent advocate for various causes including educational programs, criminal justice reform, and fighting apartheid in South Africa, despite his health challenges he remained steadfast in his commitment and even after revealing his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis he maintained an active role fighting for strengthened voting rights legislation and criminal justice reform after the death of George Floyd.
The 84-year-old has been a fixture of both religious and political activism in Chicago for decades and was ordained after attending the Chicago Theological Seminary; he has engaged with the city's leadership and community groups, at times conflicting with past mayors like Richard J. Daley and Jane Byrne, while also contributing to local education and anti-violence initiatives. Reuters touched on Jackson's storied history, highlighting his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, first in 1984 and then more successfully in 1988 when he won 11 primaries before losing the nomination.
Jackson's dedication to civil rights and social change extended beyond America's borders where he advocated for Palestinian rights and fought against the oppressive regime of apartheid in South Africa, vigorously campaigning for Nelson Mandela's release during the 1980s; he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Bill Clinton in 2000 acknowledging his extensive contributions to the nation and throughout his career, received dozens of honorary degrees, sharing his message with global audiences. After stepping down from his leadership role at Rainbow PUSH in 2023, Jackson has kept a lower profile. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition remains a legacy of his relentless efforts toward social justice, originally established to continue King's work and then augmented following Jackson's presidential campaign pursuits.
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