Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. died on February 17, 2026. He was laid to rest on March 7th in Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago. Until his death, this man was one of the most important civil rights activists alive. To remember his impact, here are some facts about Rev. Jackson.  

1. He was the founder of the non-profit organization (that later merged) Rainbow/PUSH. The National Rainbow Coalition and Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) are located in many areas across the U.S. Still, its national headquarters is on the south side of Chicago. This organization pursues social justice, civil rights and political activism. 

2. Rev. Jackson was a quarterback at the University of Illinois, but left due to racial prejudice that prevented him from playing and limited the time for his competitive public-speaking team. He transferred to North Carolina A&T University, where he continued playing as a quarterback in college and was elected student body president. He later earned his Bachelor’s in Sociology in 1964. Harry Edwards, a civil rights activist and scholar who focused his career on the experiences of African American athletes, wrote an article about Rev. Jackson in 2002 on ESPN.com.

3. On August 9th, 2000, Bill Clinton awarded Rev. Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to Morgan State University and Congress.gov, this is the nation’s highest civilian honor. As of 2025, only 674 people have received this award from 1963 to 2025. 

4. In 2003, Jackson created the Wall Street Project. According to historymakers.org, this was to expand economic opportunities for African American businesses and small communities. 

5. Rev. Jackson was close with the NAACP. He worked with the NAACP in the 1960s and spoke at national conventions, marched with its members and helped to expand the national movement on racial equity. He was awarded the NAACP Image Award in 1988 for his public service, as well as the NAACP Spingarn Medal in 1989 for outstanding achievement. 

There are many things that he has done for civil rights. His memory will continue to have an impact on those he inspired.