Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights activist and former U.S. presidential candidate, has been discharged from a Chicago hospital after 12 days of treatment for a rare brain disorder, progressing from Parkinson’s disease to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative condition with no known cure. His son, Yusef Jackson, confirmed the release and expressed gratitude for the medical team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Jackson, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, had his condition reclassified to PSP in April 2025. Despite the challenges, he continues to engage in public advocacy and remains in stable condition following his discharge.
A longtime ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson has faced several health challenges in recent years, including gallbladder surgery and hospitalization due to COVID-19. In 2021, he was hospitalized in Washington, D.C., after falling and hitting his head while helping Howard University students protest campus living conditions. These incidents underscore the ongoing impact of his health struggles, which have extended beyond the medical field into his political and social advocacy.
Jackson became a key leader in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in the 1960s, playing a pivotal role in the Selma to Montgomery marches, which were crucial in advocating for voting rights for African Americans. Following King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson emerged as one of the most prominent heirs to the civil rights movement, becoming a leading figure in American social activism. His political career, which included two presidential bids as a Democrat in 1984 and 1988, has left an indelible mark on U.S. history.
Despite his health challenges, Jackson continues to be a vocal advocate for social justice and equality. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which he founded in 1996 by merging two groups—Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition—has remained a significant force in American politics. His recent hospitalization highlights the ongoing challenges he faces, as well as the broader implications of his health on his activism and public life. As he continues to recover, his supporters remain steadfast in their prayers and well-wishes, reflecting the enduring impact of his work in the civil rights movement.