President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined global leaders and the people of the United States in mourning the death of civil rights pioneer and Baptist minister, Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away at the age of 84.
Jackson made history with his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, becoming the first African American to mount a serious challenge for the U.S. presidency. His efforts broke racial barriers, secured millions of votes, and helped pave the way for Barack Obama’s eventual rise to the presidency.
His daughter confirmed that Jackson died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Throughout his life, Jackson championed the rights of the poor and underrepresented, advocating for voting rights, education, healthcare, and job opportunities. He also achieved diplomatic successes and pushed for corporate diversity through his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
Jackson remained active in the fight against racial injustice well into the era of Black Lives Matter, despite health challenges. President Tinubu described him as a servant-leader whose activism, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., reshaped American society and fought for the dignity of the oppressed globally.
Jackson was also a staunch advocate for Africa, opposing apartheid in South Africa and campaigning for the release of Nelson Mandela and other African National Congress leaders. He served as Special Envoy to Nigeria and Africa under President Bill Clinton, championing human rights and democratic rule.
Other global figures, including former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, and leaders such as President Emmanuel Macron and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, paid tribute to Jackson’s lifelong dedication to equality, social justice, and human dignity.
Obama emphasized that he and Michelle “stand on his shoulders,” while Clinton noted Jackson’s decades-long commitment to creating opportunities and advancing human rights. Kamala Harris described him as a patriot who gave voice to those removed from power, and Macron recognized his tireless work for civil rights and global peace.
Jackson’s legacy remains a guiding force for activism, social justice, and racial equality worldwide.
