ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Indian-American lawmakers pay tributes to Jesse Jackson
While a cause of death was not immediately given, Jackson's family revealed that he died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.
-
Rwittika Chakraborty
- Wed, 18, Feb 2026
- 01:19 EST
- 14
Civil rights leader and icon Rev Jesse Jackson Sr. / rainbowpush.org/
Tributes came pouring in from U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups as civil rights leader and icon Rev Jesse Jackson Sr passed away at the age of 84 on Feb. 17.
Jackson was a former Shadow U.S. Senator, DC, and a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. and James Bevel during the civil rights movement.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal took to X and wrote that her ‘own journey in public service was only made possible because of Rev. Jesse Jackson,’ while concluding the post with a promise to carry the two-time presidential candidate’s legacy forward.
My own journey in public service was only made possible because of Rev. Jesse Jackson.
— Pramila Jayapal (@PramilaJayapal) February 17, 2026
He opened doors that had been locked for generations.
He built bridges where others built walls.
️ He taught us that organizing is love in action.
We will keep organizing. We will… pic.twitter.com/LWtGPCDqbV
Representative Ami Bera referred to Jackson as a ‘giant of the Civil Rights Movement,’ in his tribute and wrote,
“His leadership brought more voices into our democratic process and challenged America to live up to its highest ideals.”
Janine and I are saddened to learn of the passing of the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
— Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) February 17, 2026
A giant of the Civil Rights Movement, Reverend Jackson devoted his life to making our nation fairer and more just. His leadership brought more voices into our democratic process and challenged… pic.twitter.com/Tj25ZaA1Bw
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi honored Jackson as a “towering champion of civil rights and human rights” in his tribute, with the hope of celebrating his legacy by continuing his work.
Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering champion of civil rights and human rights who devoted his life to expanding the promise of America. Those of us who knew him saw firsthand his unwavering commitment to justice and dignity for all. May we honor his legacy by continuing his work. pic.twitter.com/mk3MDPdMwZ
— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) February 17, 2026
Congressman Shri Thanedar extended his condolences to Jackson’s family, while Rep. Ro Khanna recalled the Baptist minister’s 1988 Convention speech in his tribute.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson. His lifelong commitment to civil rights and human dignity helped shape our nation and will remain part of his enduring legacy.
— Shri Thanedar (@ShriThanedar) February 17, 2026
I am praying for the Jackson family during this difficult time, and for my colleague… pic.twitter.com/E0v9fWHKNi
Reverend Jackson spoke for all those who the powerful do not see. He inspired us to build a rainbow coalition. His 1988 Convention speech is one of the greatest in our nation's history. He was a giant of our times.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) February 17, 2026
"Every one of these funny labels they put on you, those of you…
Advocacy organization, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), also took to X, noting his “deep commitment to justice” and wrote,
“His courage in speaking up for marginalized groups reflected his deep commitment to justice beyond lines of identity or origin. Rev. Jackson believed that progress is built on solidarity, empathy, and unwavering moral clarity.”
Today, we mourn the passing of @RevJJackson, a towering advocate for civil rights whose vision of justice transcended boundaries of race, faith, and community.
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) February 17, 2026
Rev. Jackson’s leadership in the civil rights movement, including founding the Rainbow Coalition, expanded the promise… pic.twitter.com/5GWhxvBHk5
While a cause of death was not immediately given, Jackson's family revealed in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.
Public observances will be held in Chicago, and future plans for the celebration of life events will be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, according to the Jackson family’s statement.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login