Tributes Pour, National Figures Honor Rev. Jesse Jackson/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Political, civil rights and global leaders are paying tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson following his death at 84. The longtime activist and protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. drew praise for his moral leadership and historic presidential campaigns. From the White House to South Africa, leaders reflected on his enduring legacy of justice and hope.
Reactions to the Death of Rev. Jesse Jackson Quick Looks
- Tributes from civil rights leaders and politicians
- Praise for his role advancing Dr. King’s legacy
- President Donald Trump calls him “a force of nature”
- Sen. Raphael Warnock recalls his “I am somebody” message
- NAACP honors his impact on Black political power
- South Africa’s president cites anti-apartheid support
Deep Look: National and Global Leaders React to the Death of Rev. Jesse Jackson
Eulogies and tributes are pouring in following the death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the longtime civil rights leader who carried forward the work of Martin Luther King Jr. and reshaped American political life over more than five decades.
Jackson, who died at 84, was remembered not only as an activist and preacher, but as a bridge-builder whose influence stretched from U.S. politics to international human rights movements.
Bernice King: A Bridge-Builder
The Rev. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. King, described Jackson as “a gifted negotiator and a courageous bridge-builder.”
“He served humanity by bringing calm into tense rooms and creating pathways where none existed,” she said. King added that her family shared a deep history with Jackson rooted in “a shared commitment to justice and love.”
Al Sharpton: “A Movement Unto Himself”
Civil rights leader Al Sharpton reflected on Jackson’s personal mentorship and lasting influence.
“He was not simply a civil rights leader; he was a movement unto himself,” Sharpton said, recalling how Jackson called him into activism when he was just 12 years old. He credited Jackson with teaching that “protest must have purpose” and that justice requires daily work.
President Donald Trump: “A Force of Nature”
President Donald Trump, who said he knew Jackson long before entering the White House, called him “a good man” with personality, grit and “street smarts.”
“Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him,” Trump said, highlighting Jackson’s charisma and love of people.
Rep. Danny Davis: His Work Will Continue
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis of Illinois, whose district includes parts of Chicago, extended condolences to Jackson’s wife and children.
Though Jackson is gone, Davis said, “the work that he has done will continue,” noting the continued civic engagement of his family members.
Sen. Raphael Warnock: “He Bent the Arc”
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, who serves as senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church — once led by Dr. King — said Jackson’s presidential campaigns inspired him as a child growing up in public housing.
“He gave me a glimpse of what is possible and taught me to say, ‘I am somebody!’” Warnock said. He praised Jackson’s “eloquence and rhythmic rhetoric” and said his ministry advanced King’s dream and “bent the arc of history closer to justice.”
NAACP: Hope as Strategy
Leaders of the NAACP described Jackson as both an icon and family to the organization.
Chairman Leon W. Russell, Vice Chair Karen Boykin Towns and President & CEO Derrick Johnson said Jackson’s historic presidential run inspired millions and brought race squarely into the center of American political discourse.
They emphasized that he viewed hope not just as sentiment, but as strategy and responsibility.
South Africa: A Global Freedom Fighter
Tributes extended beyond U.S. borders. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa praised Jackson’s support during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Ramaphosa said Jackson’s campaigns for disinvestment from South Africa’s apartheid economy demonstrated “energy, principled clarity and personal risk.” He credited Jackson with standing firmly for global freedom and equality.
A Legacy That Crossed Generations
The reactions reflect the breadth of Jackson’s impact — from mentoring younger activists to influencing presidents and supporting international liberation movements.
As leaders mourn his passing, they consistently return to the themes that defined his life: faith in action, moral courage and the enduring call to “keep hope alive.”
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