The Urban League of Greater Atlanta offers our deep condolences to the family of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson on his passing today, February 17, 2026. One of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s acolyte’s, Rev. Jackson’s belief in social justice shaped his lifetime of public service and contribution. He built a “rainbow” coalition of multiracial social activists and justice warriors. And with his 1980s runs for president, he blazed a trail that ultimately led to the election of Barack Obama to the nation’s highest political office.
For more than half a century, Rev. Jackson and his family dedicated their time and treasure to the quest for civil rights and economic justice for everyone. He kept Dr. King’s call for voting rights, economic empowerment, and world peace at the heart of his transformative national and international crusade.
Rev. Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH coalition will release details of the service and programs in the days ahead. Our hearts are with them as they mourn his loss and celebrate his accomplishments with people around the world whose lives Rev. Jackson touched.
