The Rev. Jesse Jackson — the civil rights icon, Baptist minister, and tireless advocate for justice — died peacefully on February 17 at age 84, leaving behind a legacy that spanned generations of faith-driven activism and social change.

“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 in a statement announcing his passing. “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.”

For many Christians across America and beyond, Jackson’s life embodied the biblical call to seek justice, defend the oppressed, and love one’s neighbor. Rooted in the Black church tradition and shaped by the teachings of Jesus, his ministry moved seamlessly from the pulpit to the streets — and even into the political arena — as he championed dignity for those pushed to society’s margins.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose to prominence during the civil rights movement, working alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He joined King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference and led Operation Breadbasket, an economic empowerment initiative King praised warmly: “We knew he was going to do a good job, but he’s done better than a good job.”

Jackson was present in Memphis in 1968 when King was assassinated — a moment that forever marked his life and sharpened his resolve. Rather than retreat, he carried forward the movement’s mission, founding People United to Save Humanity (PUSH) in 1971 to address economic inequality in Black communities. That work later expanded into the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, which continued advocating for civil rights, voting access, and social justice.

Throughout his decades of activism, Jackson’s Christian faith remained central. Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton captured that reality in a tribute: “Our nation lost one of its greatest moral voices. Reverend Jackson stood wherever dignity was under attack, from apartheid abroad to injustice at home. His voice echoed in boardrooms and in jail cells. His presence shifted rooms. His faith never wavered.”

Jackson’s influence reached far beyond marches and speeches. He negotiated the release of Americans held overseas, helped secure freedom for prisoners in hostile regions, and sought peace in international conflicts — efforts that earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.

He also made history with two presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, becoming the first Black candidate to win multiple state primaries and bringing issues of poverty, racial justice, and inclusion to the national stage. Reflecting on that mission, he once said, “The great responsibility that we have today is to put the poor and the near-poor back on front of the American agenda. This is a dangerous mission, and yet it’s a necessary mission!”

In later years, Jackson faced serious health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. Yet even as his body weakened, his voice for justice and faith endured, inspiring new generations to carry forward the work he began.

He is survived by his wife of more than six decades, Jacqueline Brown Jackson, and their children, including former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Public observances will be held in Chicago, with additional celebrations of life to be announced.

As tributes pour in from leaders, pastors, and communities worldwide, many believers remember Jackson not only as a civil rights pioneer but as a pastor who lived out the Gospel in public life. His journey reflected the prophet Micah’s timeless call: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

The Jackson family’s request now echoes as both invitation and charge: “We ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s voice may be quieted, but the faith-fueled movement he helped build — for justice, reconciliation, and hope — marches on.