Washington, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights figure and two-time presidential contender, has passed away at the age of 84. His efforts significantly influenced American politics during the transformative period between the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the historic election of Barack Obama.

His family released a statement indicating that he “died peacefully,” though they did not specify a cause.

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honourable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his loved ones,” the family expressed.

Tributes came pouring in from all corners of the political landscape.

Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama expressed their profound sadness, describing him as a true giant. They remarked, “For over 60 years, Reverend Jackson has been at the forefront of some of the most pivotal movements for change in human history.”

They acknowledged his influence on their own journeys: “In his two historic presidential campaigns, he laid the groundwork for my own quest for the highest office in the land,” Mr. Obama stated. “We stood on his shoulders.”

President Donald Trump referred to him as “a good man” and a “force of nature,” while former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. called him “a man of God and of the people.”

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin remarked, “Reverend Jesse Jackson dedicated his life to the struggle for civil rights. I considered him a friend and an ally on numerous social justice issues.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke referred to him as “an advocate and agent of change for civil rights, justice, and human dignity,” highlighting his commitment to creating a fairer America and noting that “His life exemplified faith in action.”

Virginia Congressman Morgan Griffith characterized him as “a civil rights icon,” whose actions advocating for equality and justice will continue to motivate future generations.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated, “He shattered barriers, inspired generations, and kept hope alive.”

The NAACP expressed that “Reverend Jesse Jackson was not only a civil rights icon — he was family to the NAACP. His efforts advanced the cause of Black America at every turn.”

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson gained national recognition after witnessing the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. He subsequently founded Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, employing direct-action campaigns to promote economic opportunities and political involvement.

His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 rallied millions of Black voters and established what he termed a “rainbow coalition” of minorities, laborers, and the impoverished. During his 1984 Democratic National Convention address, he proclaimed, “America is more like a quilt — many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sizes, all woven together by a common thread.”

He concluded his 1988 convention speech with a phrase that resonated for years: “Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive!”

While Jackson's campaigns did not secure the Democratic nomination, they enhanced political engagement and led to party rule changes that benefited candidates, including Barack Obama.