Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., one of the most enduring voices of the civil rights era, is receiving medical care after being hospitalized on Wednesday for complications tied to a long-standing neurological condition. The 84-year-old activist was transported to a local hospital under police escort and is currently under observation, according to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the organization he founded and led for decades.
Coalition representatives said Jackson is being treated for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects balance, eye movement, and speech. Jackson had spent years managing symptoms originally attributed to Parkinson’s disease, but specialists confirmed the PSP diagnosis in April after a series of evaluations. His condition requires consistent monitoring, and this latest hospital visit reflects that ongoing medical oversight.
In a statement, a spokesperson stressed that Jackson remains steadfast despite his health challenges.
“Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. was admitted to the hospital today and is currently under observation for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for more than a decade. He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; however, last April, his PSP condition was confirmed. The family appreciates all prayers at this time.”
Rev. Jesse Jackson Is Doing Well After Hospitalization
Jackson’s health journey has largely unfolded in public, yet he has continued to participate in national discussions about civil rights, voting access, and racial equity. His legacy spans generations—from marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to mediating international hostage negotiations and building networks of economic and political empowerment nationwide. Even as symptoms have progressed, Jackson has remained committed to mentoring emerging leaders and amplifying issues affecting vulnerable communities.
News of his hospitalization prompted an immediate wave of concern and support from public officials, activists, and admirers who credit Jackson with shaping modern social justice movements. Many noted his persistence, resilience, and the steady moral leadership he has offered throughout his life, even while navigating the demands of chronic illness.
Doctors continue to evaluate his condition, and the coalition emphasized that his family is prioritizing his comfort as he undergoes treatment. They asked supporters to keep Jackson in their thoughts and prayers.
For many who have followed his decades of service, the update underscores both the fragility of his health and the remarkable strength that has defined his public life.
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