Jesse Jackson: Civil Rights Leader and Two-Time Presidential Candidate D

Jesse Jackson was an American civil rights leader, Baptist minister and politician best known as a protege of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and as the founder of Operation PUSH. Born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, he rose from segregated schools to become one of the most recognizable voices for equality in the world.

Jackson founded the organization that became Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984, finishing third, and again in 1988, when he finished as runner-up to Michael Dukakis. From 1991 to 1997 he served as the District of Columbia's shadow U.S. senator. In 1983 he traveled to Syria and secured the release of captured American pilot Robert Goodman.

Jackson married Jacqueline Brown in 1962, and they had six children, including former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. He died on February 17, 2026, in Chicago at age 84. Remembered as a powerful orator whose "Keep Hope Alive" message inspired millions, he leaves a legacy of voter registration, economic justice and global human rights advocacy.

Achievements: Founded what became Operation PUSH (1971), finished third for the Democratic presidential nomination (1984), finished as runner-up for the nomination (1988), served as D.C.'s shadow U.S. senator (1991-1997).

Birth: October 8, 1941 - Greenville, South Carolina.

Profession: Civil rights leader, minister and politician.

Interesting Facts: Jackson turned down a minor-league baseball contract to attend the University of Illinois on a football scholarship, later transferring to North Carolina A&T, where he played quarterback. He was also on hand to welcome Nelson Mandela after Mandela's release from prison.