The community is sending up prayers as it’s announced that civil rights icon The Rev. Jesse Jackson was hospitalized this Wednesday. The 84-year-old leader is currently under observation as he manages a serious, long-term health battle, according to his organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
For over a decade, Rev. Jackson has been managing a neurodegenerative condition known as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). PSP is a tough diagnosis, affecting key functions like walking, balance, swallowing, and eye movement, and it unfortunately worsens over time.
“He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; however, last April, his PSP condition was confirmed,” the organization shared. “The family appreciates all prayers at this time.”
📜 A Legacy of Struggle and Justice
This medical battle is the latest chapter for a man who has always been on the front lines. Rev. Jackson emerged as a powerhouse during the 1960s, marching side-by-side with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and playing a pivotal role in movements demanding equality and justice. He didn’t just advocate; he ran—twice—for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 80s, shifting the political landscape and proving what was possible.
He founded the National Rainbow Coalition and Operation PUSH, later merging them into the enduring Rainbow PUSH Coalition to continue the fight for social and economic justice. His lifelong commitment earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.
While there is no cure for PSP, treatment focuses on managing symptoms with therapies and medications. For the culture, this is a reminder to hold up our elders and pioneers in their time of need. Keep the Rev. Jesse Jackson and his family lifted.
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