Tinubu, Trump, Harris, others mourn as Jesse Jackson dies at 84

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Nkiruka Nnorom, with Agency Report

President Bola Tinubu has joined world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Joe Biden, in mourning the death of iconic civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., who passed away at the age of 84.

They described him as a titan of the civil rights movement, a transformative moral voice and one of America’s greatest patriots whose activism reshaped the political and social landscape of the United States and inspired struggles for justice across the globe.

Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson emerged as a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement in the 1960s. As a close associate of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he worked within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, SCLC, and stood on the frontlines of protests demanding racial equality, voting rights and economic justice.

Following King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson continued the struggle, later founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organisation dedicated to social justice, political empowerment and economic inclusion for African-Americans and other marginalised communities.

Announcing his death, his family said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.

“He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity.

“A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless — from his presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilising millions to register to vote — leaving an indelible mark on history.”

Jackson made history with his groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, becoming one of the first African-Americans to mount viable bids for the White House. Though unsuccessful, his campaigns broadened political participation and paved the way for future generations of Black leaders.

He was a servant-leader — Tinubu

In a personally signed statement, President Tinubu described Jackson as a servant-leader whose activism alongside Dr. King helped shape the global struggle for racial equality and social justice.

Tinubu noted that Jackson evolved from a preacher and grassroots organiser into a national and international symbol of resistance against injustice and inequality.

Reflecting on his personal experience, Tinubu recalled living in Chicago as a student in the 1970s — a period when Jackson was actively leading civil rights campaigns in the city.

“I witnessed firsthand his commitment to justice and fairness,” Tinubu said, describing the late cleric as a faithful servant of God and humanity who helped steer American society closer to its founding promise of equality.

He credited Jackson and his contemporaries for laying the groundwork that eventually led to the election of Barack Obama as the first Black President of the United States. According to him, Jackson’s presidential bids in 1984 and 1988 “inflicted the first cracks” in what he described as America’s political glass ceiling.

Tinubu also highlighted Jackson’s enduring ties with Africa. He noted the cleric’s vocal opposition to apartheid in South Africa and his advocacy for the release of Nelson Mandela and other leaders of the African National Congress.

He was a force of nature — Trump

President Donald Trump also paid tribute, describing Jackson as “a force of nature” and a man with grit, personality and street smarts.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump referred to Jackson as a friend and recalled providing office space in New York for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

“He was very gregarious — someone who truly loved people,” Trump wrote.

“He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed.”

Trump’s tribute underscored Jackson’s ability to engage across political divides, even while remaining firmly rooted in progressive causes.

Determined and tenacious — Biden

Former President Joe Biden described Jackson as “a man of God and of the people,” whose life was defined by determination and tenacity.

In a post on X, Biden wrote: “Determined and tenacious. Unafraid of the work to redeem the soul of our nation.”

Biden said he had seen firsthand how Jackson helped lead America through moments of tumult and triumph, always guided by optimism and a relentless insistence on what is right and just.

“Reverend Jackson influenced generations of Americans and countless elected leaders, including presidents,” Biden said. “He believed in his bones the promise of America — that we are all created equal in the image of God and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives.”

While acknowledging that the United States has not always lived up to that promise, Biden said Jackson dedicated his life to ensuring the country never abandoned it.

He and First Lady Jill Biden extended condolences to the Jackson family and members of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

One of America’s greatest patriots — Harris

Former Vice President, Kamala Harris described Jackson as “one of America’s greatest patriots.”

Recalling her days as a young law student in Oakland, California, Harris said she proudly displayed a “Jesse Jackson for President” sticker on her car during his 1980s campaigns.

“As I drove across the Bay Bridge, people from every walk of life would give me a thumbs up or honk in support,” she wrote on X. “Those small interactions exemplified Reverend Jackson’s life work — lifting up the dignity of working people, building community and strengthening our democracy.”

Tributes from civil rights leaders

Veteran civil rights activist Al Sharpton, who worked closely with Jackson after the assassination of Dr. King in 1968, called him “a consequential and transformative leader who changed this nation and the world.

“He shaped public policy and changed laws. He kept the dream alive and taught young children from broken homes, like me, that we don’t have broken spirits,” Sharpton wrote.

Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock described Jackson as “one of America’s great moral voices,” saying his eloquence and rhythmic rhetoric reminded Americans that equal justice requires vigilance and sacrifice.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said America had lost a titan in the struggle for civil rights and racial justice.

Stacey Abrams praised Jackson’s courage and audacious spirit, saying he expanded the nation’s capacity to imagine true unity and deepened its commitment to justice.

Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said Jackson devoted his life to lifting those pushed to society’s margins and building inclusive coalitions across race, class and faith.

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