Rev. Jesse Jackson, the prominent civil rights activist and former U.S. presidential candidate, has been released from a Chicago hospital following treatment for a rare brain disorder. Jackson, 84, was discharged from Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Monday after being admitted for at least 12 days to receive care for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative disease that affects balance, movement, and eye motion. His son and family spokesperson, Yusef Jackson, confirmed that the elder Jackson remains in stable condition and expressed gratitude to the medical staff and supporters for their prayers during his recovery.
Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, but the diagnosis was reclassified as PSP in April 2025, for which there is currently no cure. This rare condition has significantly impacted his health over the years, leading to several hospitalizations and health challenges. In addition to his recent hospitalization, Jackson has faced other health issues, including gallbladder surgery and a hospitalization in 2021 due to a head injury sustained after falling while assisting Howard University students in protesting campus living conditions.
As one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history, Jackson played a pivotal role in the movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a key lieutenant in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in the 1960s, participating in the crucial Selma to Montgomery marches that advocated for voting rights for African Americans. Following King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson became one of the most prominent heirs to King’s legacy, carrying forward the activist work that defined the civil rights era.
Jackson’s political career has been marked by his efforts to advance civil rights and social justice. He twice ran for president as a Democrat in 1984 and 1988, representing a more radical wing of the party. His advocacy and activism have also extended into the realm of organized labor, as he co-founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1996. This coalition was created by merging two groups he had previously founded: Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and the National Rainbow Coalition. The coalition has become a significant force in promoting racial and economic justice in the United States.
Throughout his career, Jackson has been celebrated as a moral leader and a voice for the marginalized. His recent hospitalization and treatment for PSP have drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by aging civil rights leaders and the need for continued support and advocacy for their well-being. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition has also remained an active force in political and social advocacy, reflecting the lasting impact of Jackson’s work in American society.
As Jackson continues to recover from his recent health challenges, his legacy as a civil rights leader and activist remains an important part of the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality in the United States. His continued advocacy, even in the face of health limitations, highlights the enduring influence of his work and the importance of supporting leaders who have dedicated their lives to the cause of civil rights and social change.