Jesse Jackson obituary: civil rights leader and former presidential candidate dies aged 84

Jesse Jackson, a prominent US civil rights leader and protege of Martin Luther King Jr., has died aged 84. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988 and led organisations including PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition.

Jesse Jackson, the US civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, has died aged 84. He rose to prominence as a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. and became a national figure through leadership of organisations such as People United to Serve Humanity (Push) and the National Rainbow Coalition. Jackson mounted notable campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, securing millions of votes and breaking through racial barriers in national politics. Over several decades he also took part in international negotiations to win the release of detained Americans and served in envoy roles while receiving national honours. Key facts: - Died aged 84 and widely known as a civil rights leader and former Baptist minister. - Close associate of Martin Luther King Jr., later founder of Push and the National Rainbow Coalition. - Sought the Democratic nomination in 1984 and 1988 and secured significant national support. - Took part in international negotiations for detained Americans, served as a presidential envoy, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Summary: Jackson’s campaigns and organisational work helped to break racial barriers and influenced later political developments. Undetermined at this time.