Tributes have poured in from across the globe following the death of renowned United States civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who has died at the age of 84.
Jackson, a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement and a steadfast supporter of South Africa’s liberation struggle, is being remembered as a global moral authority whose voice resonated far beyond the borders of the United States.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement shared from Chicago, Illinois.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family,” the statement read.
The family described Jackson as a tireless champion of justice whose unwavering commitment to equality and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity.
“A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless, from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote, leaving an indelible mark on history.”
Reverend Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; their children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef and Jacqueline; daughter Ashley Jackson; and his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Burns Jackson; father, Noah Louis Robinson; and stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson.
“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.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa led the country’s tributes, describing Jackson’s contribution to the anti-apartheid movement as “towering” and deeply significant to South Africa’s democratic journey.
“On behalf of all South Africans, I extend my condolences to the Jackson family, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the many organisations within the American Civil Rights Movement and in causes elsewhere in the world who were inspired by the Rev Jesse Jackson’s principles and leadership,” Ramaphosa said.
“Rev Jesse Jackson’s irrepressible campaigns against apartheid and his support for the liberation struggle was a towering contribution to the global anti-apartheid cause.”
He recalled that in 2013 Jackson was awarded South Africa’s National Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in Silver in recognition of his lifelong commitment to justice and equality.
“The award honoured his excellent contribution to the fight against apartheid. We are sad to bid farewell to a global moral authority who gave voice to struggles within the United States as well as struggles for fundamental human rights and democracy around the world, including our own,” Ramaphosa said.
Jackson, who was mentored by civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, dedicated his life to confronting injustice and racial inequality. His activism connected struggles across continents, from Selma in the American South to Soweto during the height of apartheid repression.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola also paid tribute, describing Jackson as a champion of the global anti-apartheid struggle.
“We mourn with our brother Congressman Jonathan Jackson and family on the passing of our beloved Reverend Jesse Jackson. He was an enduring and towering leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America and a renowned champion of the Anti-Apartheid movement and struggle. Lala Ngoxolo,” Lamola said.
Political leader Mbuyiseni Ndlozi shared a message on social media, calling Jackson a “king of love.”
“What a man! Rev Jesse Jackson. May his soul rest in the perfect and eternal peace he stood for in the world. He joins his fellow combatant, Martin Luther King, with whom they gave the world a more human face, a face of love. Kings of Love! What a Man,” Ndlozi wrote.
Saturday Star