Jesse Jackson was a prominent American civil rights leader and political figure, known for his significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century alongside Martin Luther King Jr. He was a political activist who focused on social justice, expanding political representation for marginalized groups, and linking traditional civil rights demands with broader social and economic issues. His political presence prompted discussions on transforming protests into effective institutional actions, highlighting both his advocacy and political engagements.

Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson grew up under the oppressive Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation in the southern United States. This environment significantly influenced his early years and shaped his lifelong commitment to fighting racial injustice. He initially carried the name Jesse Lewis Burns at birth, but later became well-known for his impactful civil rights work that transcended his personal history.

Jackson's legacy includes founding the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and making two presidential runs in the 1980s. His speeches and activism centered on justice, equality, and the need for political representation among underprivileged communities. After a long career overlapping with various aspects of religion, grassroots activism, party politics, and informal diplomacy, he passed away on February 17, 2026, leaving behind a profound imprint on civil rights advocacy and American politics overall.