Reverend Jesse Jackson, one of the most prominent figures of the American civil rights movement and a longtime protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has been hospitalized in Chicago, his organization confirmed Wednesday.
The 84-year-old founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition is “under observation for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP),” the group said in a statement. Jackson was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease several years ago, before doctors confirmed in 2024 that he has PSP — a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, balance, and cognitive function.
Jackson rose to national prominence in the 1960s after leaving the Chicago Theological Seminary to join King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the campaign for civil rights. He went on to establish several major advocacy organizations, including Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) in 1971 and the Rainbow Coalition in 1984, which later merged into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
A two-time Democratic presidential candidate, Jackson helped register millions of voters and played a key role in shaping the modern progressive political movement. He stepped down as president of Rainbow PUSH in 2023, marking the end of a six-decade public career that spanned activism, politics, and faith leadership.
“He has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for more than a decade,” the organization said. “The family appreciates all prayers at this time.”
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I used to like him and even worked on his campaign around 1988? But after what was obviously shakedowns against large companies threatening to “publish” racist policies at these companies unless they forked over millions to him and his minions, I stopped supporting him. It’s a shame, as I think he had a good heart in the early years but he let all the fame and money corrupt him and his organization.
HE IS PAID FOR JUST LIKE DALLAS J W PRICE