Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family. His family described him as a 'servant leader' dedicated to the oppressed, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to advocating for the voiceless and overlooked around the world. Jackson's efforts led to the registration of over 2 million new Black voters between 1982 and 1984, marking the largest gain since the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Tributes from across the political spectrum poured in, with former President Obama calling him 'one of America’s greatest patriots' and President Biden stating that Jackson would be remembered as 'a man of God and of the people.' Donald Trump also recognized Jackson as a 'transformative leader' who profoundly impacted the nation.