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Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. (born October 8, 1941) is an American civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and political leader. A prominent figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, he worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and later founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Jackson twice sought the Democratic nomination for President of the United States and became one of the most influential African American political voices of the late 20th century.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.
- Date of Birth: October 8, 1941
- Age: 84 years (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Greenville, South Carolina, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: African American
- Religion: Christianity (Baptist)
- Profession: Civil Rights Activist, Minister, Political Leader
- Political Party: Democratic Party
- Years Active: 1960s–present
- Height: Approximately 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm)
- Net Worth: Estimated $8–10 million (USD) as of 2026
Early Life, Family & Education
Jesse Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, to Helen Burns.
Parents
His biological father was Noah Louis Robinson, a former boxer. He later adopted the surname Jackson from his stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson.
Education
Jackson attended Sterling High School before enrolling at North Carolina A&T State University.
He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1964. He continued his studies at the Chicago Theological Seminary, where he was ordained as a Baptist minister.
Civil Rights Involvement
In the 1960s, Jackson became active in the Civil Rights Movement. He joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
He played a leadership role in Operation Breadbasket, focusing on economic justice and job opportunities for African Americans.
Jackson was present in Memphis, Tennessee, in April 1968 at the time of Dr. King’s assassination, a pivotal moment that shaped his continued activism.
Organizations Founded
- Operation PUSH (1971) – People United to Save Humanity, aimed at economic empowerment and social justice.
- Rainbow Coalition – A political movement promoting unity among diverse racial and economic groups.
- Rainbow PUSH Coalition – Formed after merging the two organizations, advocating for civil rights, voter registration, and equality.
Political Career
Presidential Campaign 1984: Jackson ran for the Democratic nomination, becoming the second African American to seek a major party’s presidential nomination.
Presidential Campaign 1988: His 1988 campaign was historic, winning several state primaries and caucuses. He built a broad “Rainbow Coalition” of minorities, working-class voters, and progressive activists.
Though he did not secure the nomination, his campaigns significantly expanded minority participation in American politics.
Major Achievements
- Key national leader in the Civil Rights Movement
- Founder of Operation PUSH and Rainbow PUSH Coalition
- Democratic Presidential Candidate (1984 & 1988)
- Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2000)
- Advocate for international diplomacy and human rights
Health
In 2017, Jackson announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Despite health challenges, he has remained involved in public advocacy and speaking engagements.
Physical Measurements
- Height: Approximately 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 185–200 lbs (84–91 kg) (estimated)
- Body Type: Tall and Lean
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Black (now gray with age)
- Distinctive Features: Deep voice, commanding presence, and formal public appearance style
Marriage, Wife & Children
Jesse Jackson married Jacqueline Lavinia Brown on December 31, 1962. Their marriage has lasted more than six decades, and Jacqueline Jackson has been active in education, cultural programs, and humanitarian work.
The couple has five children together:
- Jesse Louis Jackson Jr. – Former U.S. Congressman from Illinois.
- Santita Maria Jackson – Political commentator, radio host, and singer.
- Jonathan Luther Jackson – Civil rights activist and businessman.
- Yusef DuBois Jackson – Business professional and public affairs figure.
- Jacqueline Lavinia Jackson – Social worker and educator.
In addition to his children with Jacqueline Jackson, Jesse Jackson has one daughter from a separate relationship:
Books
- Straight from the Heart (1987)
- Keep Hope Alive (1988)
- Legal Lynching (1995)
- It’s About the Money! (1999)
Net Worth & Income Sources
Jesse Jackson’s estimated net worth is between $8–10 million (USD) as of 2026.
His income sources include public speaking engagements, ministry leadership, book royalties, and organizational roles.
Trivia
- Jesse Jackson was present in Memphis in 1968 at the time of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.
- He coined and popularized the phrase “Keep Hope Alive” during his 1988 presidential campaign.
- He became one of the first African Americans to win multiple state primaries in a major U.S. presidential race.
- Jackson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000 for his civil rights work.
- He has acted as an informal diplomat, negotiating for the release of American hostages abroad.
- Before fully entering ministry and activism, he was an accomplished high school athlete.
- His 1988 campaign helped increase voter registration and political participation among minority communities.
- He founded Operation PUSH in 1971, which later became the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
FAQs
How old is Jesse Jackson?
He is 84 years old as of 2026.
What is Jesse Jackson known for?
He is known for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988.
Did Jesse Jackson receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
Yes, he received the award in 2000.
What illness was he diagnosed with?
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017.
