The recent passing of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson at age 84 has shone a spotlight on the health challenges that often accompany a lifetime of activism and public service. In the final years of his life, Jackson had to contend with a host of debilitating conditions, including progressive supranuclear palsy and Parkinson's disease, that ultimately took a significant toll.
A Lifetime of Advocacy
Throughout his decades-long career, Jackson was a tireless advocate for racial justice, economic equality, and human rights. He marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr., ran for president twice, and founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to advance his vision of a more inclusive and equitable society. However, the immense physical and emotional strain of this work began to take a visible toll in his later years.
Battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
In November 2025, Jackson was hospitalized for complications related to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, PSP affects the brain's ability to control movement, balance, and eye movements, often leading to difficulties with walking, swallowing, and speech. Jackson's family reported that in his final months, he required 24-hour care and had lost the ability to speak, communicating through hand gestures.
Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis
Jackson's health challenges did not stop there. In 2017, he also announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a progressive disorder that impacts the brain, nervous system, and muscle control. The Parkinson's Foundation notes that the disease can lead to tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination, all of which Jackson experienced in his later years.
The Toll of Activism
What this really means is that the immense physical and emotional toll of a lifetime of activism and public service can take a significant personal toll, even on the most resilient of individuals. As a generation of civil rights pioneers like Jackson reach the end of their lives, it's a sobering reminder of the sacrifices they've made and the challenges they've endured to fight for a more just and equitable world.
Honoring the Legacy
The bigger picture here is that Jackson's legacy will undoubtedly live on, inspiring new generations of activists and leaders to continue the work he dedicated his life to. But his story also highlights the importance of providing adequate support and resources for aging advocates, whose health and wellbeing are essential to sustaining long-term social change. As we mourn the loss of this towering figure, let us also recommit ourselves to honoring his life's work by ensuring that the activists who follow in his footsteps can do so with the care and support they deserve.