02/17/2026
Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. was a prominent Baptist minister, civil rights activist, and political leader. A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson rose to national prominence during the modern Civil Rights Movement. After King’s assassination in 1968, he founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), later merging it into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, advocating for economic justice, voting rights, and equal opportunity for marginalized communities.
Jackson made history with his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, becoming the first African American to mount serious bids for the Democratic nomination and helping expand minority participation in national politics. Over decades, he was active in voter registration drives, labor advocacy, international diplomacy efforts, and social justice causes.
Bro. Jackson Sr. was a member of Harmony Lodge #88, Western Consistory #28 and Arabic Temple #44.
On behalf of the Brian L. Abrams Chapter of the Phylaxis Society, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Jackson Family and Harmony Lodge #88, on the passing of Bro. Jesse Jackson Sr. Our prayers are with them all.