Reverend Jesse Jackson, one of the leading figures in the civil rights movement in the United States, has died at the age of 84. Born in the segregated South to a single mother, Jackson was ordained as a Baptist minister and became a notable student leader in the 1960s, gaining the admiration of Martin Luther King Jr. He played a significant role in the movement that sought to dismantle racial segregation, standing beside King when he was assassinated.

Jackson also made two bids for the presidency as a Democrat in 1984 and 1988, paving the way for future candidates like Barack Obama, although his own candidacies were considered ahead of their time for the party. He created what he called the "Rainbow Coalition," which sought to unite African Americans, Latinos, workers, and poor whites with a focus on economic equality. Eventually stepping back from electoral politics, Jackson traveled globally, visiting Brazil twice and advocating against apartheid in South Africa, where he formed a friendship with Nelson Mandela.

Throughout his life, Jackson remained a vocal advocate for social justice, using his platform to combat inequality and fight for rights across a variety of sectors. His influence in American politics and the civil rights agenda has left a lasting legacy, characterized by his persistent call for unity among different communities and a dedication to pursuing economic justice.