Civil Rights Figure Jesse Jackson Hospitalised Amid Ongoing Health Concerns

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement, has been admitted to hospital as he continues treatment for a degenerative neurological condition. Jackson, who is 84 years old, is currently receiving medical care and observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), as confirmed by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Recent statements from Jackson's advocacy organisation indicate that he has managed this rare neurodegenerative disease for over ten years. Although he was initially diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, further medical evaluations in April led to a confirmed diagnosis of PSP. The organisation has shared that Jackson's family is grateful for the support and well wishes received during this period, though no additional details about his current condition have been disclosed.

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare disorder that primarily affects movement, balance, and eye functions. According to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, PSP typically manifests in individuals during their 60s and is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease due to overlapping symptoms. However, the progression of PSP tends to be more rapid, with many patients experiencing significant disability within three to five years of onset.

Jackson's public health journey began in 2017 when he revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, a disorder that affects movement and often causes tremors and stiffness. He described the process of recognising and adapting to his health challenges as difficult, citing a family history with the disease. Since then, Jackson has undergone various medical treatments, including a gallbladder operation and hospitalisation due to Covid-19, which also affected his wife. In a separate incident later in 2021, Jackson sustained a head injury after a fall during a university event, requiring overnight hospital observation.

Throughout his career, Jackson has played a significant role in American social and political activism. He initially rose to national recognition in the 1960s as a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., participating in numerous campaigns for civil and voting rights. In 1971, Jackson established Operation PUSH, an organisation focused on improving economic opportunities for Black Americans. This initiative was later expanded in 1984 with the creation of the National Rainbow Coalition, dedicated to achieving equal rights for all citizens, regardless of background.

In 1996, Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition merged to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which continues to advocate for social justice, economic equality, and voter rights. The combined organisation traces its roots to initiatives launched by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, particularly Operation Breadbasket, which was founded by Dr. King as a platform for economic empowerment in minority communities.

After more than six decades of public service, Jackson announced his retirement as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in July 2023. His successor, Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, has since taken over leadership responsibilities. Jackson's enduring legacy encompasses his efforts to promote racial equality, improve economic conditions for marginalised groups, and encourage political participation across the United States.

Currently, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition has not issued further information regarding Jackson's health status. The organisation continues to express gratitude for the ongoing encouragement and support from the public and the broader civil rights community.