* The Sun-Times…

“I may be poor …” began the call-and-response Rev. Jesse Jackson led in various forms before rapt audiences for more than half a century. “But I am … somebody! I may be on welfare. But I am … somebody! I may be in jail. But I am … somebody! I may be uneducated, But I am … somebody. I am Black. Beautiful. Proud. I must be respected. I must be protected. I am … somebody!”

That, in essence, is the message Rev. Jackson devoted his life to championing — for Black people in general and himself in particular. From leading Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s open housing campaign in Chicago in 1964, through his close association with the great civil rights leader during the last three years of King’s life, to the tumultuous 1970s, when Jackson started what became the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, to the 1980s, when he ran the first viable presidential campaign by a Black candidate in the United States, to the 1990s, when he traveled the globe, to free hostages, advise leaders, join picket lines and lend his internationally famous name to often desperate causes. To his later years, when he settled into the role as a revered elder statesman of Black Chicago and an unceasing voice for social justice.

Rev. Jackson died at age 84 on Tuesday, his family said in a statement. He had been in declining health for a decade; in 2017 he announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years earlier, but last April revealed that it was actually misdiagnosed progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition also affecting bodily movements. He stepped down as president of PUSH in July 2023, citing health concerns. Rev. Jackson appeared onstage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August 2024, when he was presented to the crowd after a video celebrating his life, but did not speak.

If the legend of his mentor, Martin Luther King was simplified, almost beatified, by early death — a martyr at 39, an icon who had a dream — then the legacy of his eager protege was complicated by long life. Rev. Jesse Jackson was in the public eye for six decades, a tireless wielder of social pressure. He was respected and dismissed, inspiring adoration and disdain, a Chicago institution who left footprints on the world stage, an ardent advocate for civil rights whose attempts to wield political power himself were thwarted, and channeled into the power of protest, persuasion and complaint.

* Governor JB Pritzker…

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a giant of the civil rights movement.

He broke down barriers, inspired generations, and kept hope alive. Our state, nation, and world are better due to his years of service.

I’m ordering flags to half-mast to honor him.

May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/f5wt6QGkjW

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) February 17, 2026

* Attorney General Kwame Raoul…

“Rev. Jackson had an impact on my life since I was a young boy, growing up a block away from PUSH headquarters. The words ‘I am somebody!’ resonated with me, giving hope of what I may one day achieve by way of service to others. As I raised my kids a block away from the PUSH headquarters, I brought them to PUSH when they were young to hear the same words. He was always a strong advocate for Haiti and challenged me to be the same. He never hesitated to call to challenge me, unapologetically, to do better in my service to others. I am a better public servant because of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rest, Reverend; you have earned your peace.”

* Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs…

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rev. Jackson rose from the shackles of Jim Crow in Greenville, South Carolina, to become an international icon. He walked alongside the greatest figures of the 20th Century, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., but Rev. Jackson stood in the shadow of no one. He always forged his own path.

“Rev. Jackson was a gifted athlete, orator, and leader, who channeled his strengths and gifts to fight on behalf of others. He marched in Montgomery, lent his talents to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and created Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow/Push Coalition.

“From his base on Chicago’s South Side, Rev. Jackson mentored local activists and counseled national leaders. He stood tall in the face of his critics, understood his own humanity, and offered grace and humility to all who sought his comfort.

“He was a man of deep faith who understood and practiced the delicate balance of tending his flock while fighting the wolves who sought to destroy it.

“In doing so, Rev. Jackson knew the fight between the haves and the have-nots would exceed his time on earth and he worked to ensure that others would be ready to carry forward the mantle of fairness, opportunity, and respect. Rev. Jackson will not be replaced, but his legacy, vision, and courage will inspire leaders for generations to come. I wish strength and comfort to all who mourn this loss.”

* Comptroller Susana Mendoza…

A giant has passed. Let us all be grateful for the time we had with Rev, Jesse Jackson and for his many contributions to the world. He was an iconic champion of civil rights who challenged all of us to do more; a wonderful father; a loving husband; a skilled orator; a shrewd… pic.twitter.com/hdlkbQRilU

— Susana A. Mendoza ☮️ (@susanamendoza10) February 17, 2026

* Senate President Don Harmon…

“The Rev. Jackson was a hero, a champion, a rabble-rouser and a front-row participant to history. He spent his life challenging the status quo, fighting for underdogs and pushing society forward toward justice and equality. We are all indeed better because of his work and commitment. We can honor his legacy by keeping the fight alive and always seeking that better tomorrow. May he forever rest in peace.”

* House Speaker Chris Welch…

I am heartbroken by the passing of my friend, mentor, and giant of the movement, the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr..**

Rev. Jackson was more than a civil rights icon — he was a builder of hope. Through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he turned pain into purpose and protest into… pic.twitter.com/2Y1yuNxm76

— Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (@SpeakerWelchIL) February 17, 2026

* Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson…

I am devastated to lose my mentor and friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. My heart and prayers are with his devoted family- his wife Jacqueline, their children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef and Jackie, daughter Ashley Jackson, and their dear grandchildren.

We honor him, and his hard-earned legacy as a freedom fighter, philosopher, and faithful shepherd of his family and community here in Chicago. I am personally grateful for Rev. Jackson and his family embracing me and our city with his wisdom and guidance. His friendship, counsel and prayers had a deep impact on my family.

In honor of Rev. Jackson’s service, and as our city mourns, the Chicago flag will lower to half-staff. We thank all of the Chicagoans who served as volunteers in Rev. Jackson’s organization, providing decades of mutual aid throughout Chicago.

We know his message of justice and empowerment reverberated worldwide, as the leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Operation Bread Basket. Reverend Jackson’s unwavering courage extends beyond his notable civil rights leadership with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he lent his support to countless humanitarian efforts at home and abroad. Rev. Jackson served as the first executive director of Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) here in Chicago and as an international human rights advocate and spiritual advisor to world leaders.

Rev. Jackson’s mission always centered the strength and liberation of our Black community, but his mission always extended to all who needed empowerment by cultivating a rainbow of power that could shine through every storm. Rev. Jackson intimately understood what was at stake in affirming the humanity of working people. He never lost sight that those fighting for justice are entitled to the most basic needs of health and nutrition, housing, education, and jobs in order to achieve their greatest potential. Rev. Jackson held strong to this truth that we all are “somebody.” He preached that the flame of hope exists in all of us and it is our power and responsibility to unify that flame amongst our neighbors to improve our present conditions and secure a future where we can all thrive.

As we lift up his life and wrap our arms around his family and all those who loved him, I ask you to anchor your hope in action to honor Rev. Jackson’s enduring contributions. He believed in you, and found hope in humanity. Do something today to keep hope alive.

* Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford…

“Today, Illinois and the world mourn the loss of one of the greatest champions for justice and human dignity this nation has ever produced. The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. was a moral force, a prophetic voice and a living bridge between the movement that freed us and the work that still remains.

“I had the privilege of working alongside Reverend Jackson. I remember the way he looked you in the eye and made you feel as though the entire weight of the struggle was yours to carry — not as a burden, but as an honor. That encounter never left me. It shaped the kind of public servant I strive to be.

“To the entire Jackson family: the people of Illinois grieve with you. You shared him with the world, and the world is better for it.

“May we honor his memory not with monuments, but with motion — continuing the fight for voting rights, economic justice and the full dignity of every human being. Rest in power, Reverend. The work goes on.”

…Adding… Senate Republican Leader John Curran…

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of the civil rights, faith, and Illinois leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rev. Jesse Jackson dedicated his life and career to fighting for justice and civil rights here in Illinois, and throughout the nation. I am praying for his family and all who knew and were inspired by him during this time of loss.”

…Adding… Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton…

Today we lost a powerful voice for a better tomorrow—my friend, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. pic.twitter.com/aATJEGlIcj

— Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton (@LtGovStratton) February 17, 2026

…Adding… CFL…

The following is a statement from Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter regarding the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr:

“With the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Chicago has lost an icon. But we know the impact of his life’s work and legacy will span generations.

“Rev. Jackson was a steadfast ally to working families. A fierce advocate for economic justice who was no stranger to a picket line, he personified the fighting spirit of our city.

“The opportunity to work so closely with an icon of the Civil Rights Movement is not lost on me. Rev. Jackson was an inspirational leader from the pulpit, but also in action. A literal and figurative giant, I am honored to have called him a friend.

“Chicago’s labor movement extends our condolences and sympathy to Rev. Jackson’s family, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and all those across the world mourning this immense loss.”

* Rep. Kifowit…

tate Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D–Oswego), a United States Marine Corps veteran, issued the following statement on the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson:

“The passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson is a sadness that will be felt not only across our nation, but throughout the world. His power of prayer and unwavering dedication to justice and fairness extended far beyond our borders and touched generations of Americans.

Rev. Jackson was a true champion for people and communities too often left unheard. He never backed down from the fight for justice, equality, and human dignity, and his courage and moral leadership helped shape the course of our country’s history.

My thoughts are with Rev. Jackson’s family, loved ones, and the many communities across our country who mourn this profound loss. May we honor his life not only with remembrance, but with action.”

* Former Senate President Emil Jones…

Statement from Former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. on the Life and Legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr.

February 17, 2026 – Chicago, IL Today, we reflect on the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. — a son of Chicago who became a voice for the voiceless across America and around the world.

I have known Reverend Jackson not just as a public figure, but as a fighter — a man who never backed down from the struggle for justice. From the streets of Chicago, across America and on to the global stage, Reverend Jackson carried one consistent message: that justice must be for everybody, not just for some.

In Chicago, he gave hope to neighborhoods that too often felt forgotten. He organized. He marched. He demanded opportunity where there was exclusion. Through Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition, he built bridges between races and religions showing that we are strongest when we stand together.

For our state and our nation, Reverend Jackson redefined what political participation could look like. His historic presidential campaigns were not simply about winning office — they were about expanding the table of democracy. He inspired millions to believe that their voice and vote mattered.
And around the world, he stood as a moral diplomat — advocating for peace, negotiating the release of hostages, and speaking out against injustice wherever it showed its face. Few leaders from Chicago have left fingerprints on global affairs the way Jesse has.

He taught black people that civil rights without economic rights is an incomplete promise. His life’s work changed laws, opened doors, and most importantly, changed minds.

Chicago will forever claim him as one of our own. The country will remember him as a conscience for America. And the world will recognize him as a champion of human dignity.

As someone who served alongside him in the ongoing struggle for fairness and opportunity, I can say without hesitation: Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. did not just participate in history — he helped shape it.

May we honor his legacy not just with words, but with continued action.

* DPI…

n reaction to the passing of political leader and civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez shared the following:

“For generations, Reverend Jackson shaped political and civic life in our state. He ran presidential campaigns that redefined the Democratic Party, stood alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and still, kept Chicago home to his life’s work. From the South Side, he built Operation PUSH and later the Rainbow PUSH Coalition into real organizing power because he believed in civic participation and in the responsibility to use your voice.

What many of us will remember him for is his love and fight for Black Americans, for children, and for anyone who was underserved and overlooked. He fought for jobs, pushed for fair access to opportunity and education, and demanded investment in Black communities. He reminded working people that they, and their quality of life, were important.

Illinois Democrats continue the work he pushed forward. Our commitment to working families, voting rights, and building our coalition across this state is part of the legacy he leaves behind.

We extend our condolences to Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson, their children and grandchildren, and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition community. Reverend Jackson’s impact is part of Illinois history and will continue in the leaders and communities he helped shape.”

* Chuy…

Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson:
“Today, our country has lost a beacon of civil rights and a champion for equality. As a longtime friend to Reverend Jesse Jackson and his family the news of his passing is profoundly sad to me.

“Throughout his life, Reverend Jackson fearlessly advocated for the rights and dignity of working class communities, serving as a beacon of hope for millions.

“His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 were transformational, not only for our brothers and sisters in the Black community, but for all Americans who believe in a more inclusive society. I was proud to be a Jackson Delegate at both Democratic conventions, representing Illinois. His speech in 1988 deeply inspired me to never surrender in our pursuit of justice.

“Reverend Jackson taught us many lessons, among them, that political participation is vital to improving community conditions.

“He inspired countless individuals, particularly in communities of color, to exercise their right to vote and dedicated his life to ensure every voice is heard and every vote is counted.

“I have no doubt that his relentless pursuit of a multiracial alliance through the Rainbow Coalition played a crucial role in the election of our friend Harold Washington in 1983 as the first Black mayor of Chicago.

“Reverend Jackson’s unwavering commitment to equality and justice has left an indelible mark not only on Chicago’s history but also our nation’s history. My thoughts are with his wife Jackie, and his children Ashley, Jesse Jr., and my dear colleague Jonathan. Rest in power, my friend.”

…Adding… Illinois Federation of Labor…

The Illinois labor movement mourns the passing of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in Illinois and Chicago politics whose lifelong commitment to the labor and civil rights movements leaves an enduring legacy.

Throughout his life, Rev. Jackson fought tirelessly for working people in Chicago, across Illinois, and throughout the country. He walked picket lines, stood with workers at the bargaining table, and championed the inclusion of women and people of color in the protections and promise of union membership. He reminded us that the fight for good jobs, living wages, and the right to organize is inseparable from the broader struggle for justice and equality.

In his speech, “From A Tradition of Marching for Jobs and Rights,” delivered during his 1988 Presidential bid, Jackson said: “the American worker is not asking for welfare, he’s asking for a fair share—not for charity but for parity.”

Rev. Jackson’s words continue to resonate today, and we owe him our gratitude for his years of advocacy and fighting for a better world. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson family, and all those who are mourning this profound loss.

Together, we can honor his life by carrying forward his work as we fight for equality, fairness, dignity, and respect in every workplace.