Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader, has died at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of bridging the gap between the civil rights movement and American politics. Known as the first African American to transform activism into a serious presidential candidacy through a major political party, Jackson paved the way for future leaders, including Barack Obama.

Born in South Carolina in 1941 during the era of racial segregation, Jackson grew up in an environment where African Americans faced systemic discrimination. His oratory skills and presence led him to become involved in activism from a young age, participating in sit-ins and being arrested during protests against segregation. By the mid-1960s, he moved to Chicago, where he caught the attention of Martin Luther King Jr., eventually becoming one of his closest aides.

Throughout his career, Jackson not only fought for civil rights but also pushed for social justice and economic equality, becoming a pivotal figure in advocating for the disenfranchised. His run for the presidency in 1984 and 1988 brought national attention to issues affecting African Americans and minorities, and his work significantly influenced American politics, laying the groundwork for the election of the first black president, Obama.