The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the legendary civil rights activist and two-time presidential candidate, has handed away Tuesday aged 84, his household has mentioned in an announcement.
A explanation for loss of life was not instantly given however Jackson’s household mentioned he died peacefully surrounded by family members.
“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said.
“We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”
Jackson was hospitalized in November for treatment to regulate his blood pressure, having been under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy, CNN reported at the time.
PSP is “a rare neurological disorder that affects body movements, walking and balance, and eye movements,” according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Prior to that, Jackson’s struggles with his health prevented him from attending his 84th birthday celebrations in Chicago last October, which, CBS reported, was nevertheless attended by city mayor Brandon Johnson, former congressman Bobby Rush, and Jackson’s sons — current Illinois Democratic Rep. Jonathan Jackson and former representative Jesse Jackson Jr — among many others.
He announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017.
Also in their statement, Jackson’s family expressed their “profound sadness” at his passing and paid tribute to “his unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and human rights helped form a world motion for freedom and dignity.
“A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless from his presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilising millions to register to vote – leaving an indelible mark on history.”
Tributes rapidly began flowing following information of Jackson’s loss of life, with social media customers mentioning the civil rights icon’s loss of life got here throughout Black History Month.
Jackson is survived by his spouse, Jacqueline; their youngsters Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline; his daughter Ashley Jackson, and varied grandchildren.
Public observances can be held in Chicago, the household mentioned, with last preparations to be introduced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, of which Jackson was a pacesetter and founder.
More follows…
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/jesse-jackson-death-b2921766.html