The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader, is currently hospitalized and on life support to stabilize his blood pressure. He is 84 years old and has been under medical observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). According to a family source, Jackson has shown brief moments of responsiveness despite his serious condition.
Details of Hospitalization
Jesse Jackson’s hospitalization was confirmed by a source close to the family on Sunday. He had a significant drop in blood pressure on Saturday night, prompting immediate medical attention. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition reported Wednesday that further details regarding his condition have not been publicly disclosed.
Health Background
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare neurological disorder that impacts body movement, walking, balance, and eye movement. It typically begins in individuals during their 60s, sharing some symptoms with Parkinson’s disease. Jackson has managed this neurodegenerative condition for over a decade.
- Originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
- PSP confirmed in April 2022.
- Most patients experience severe disability within three to five years.
Jackson’s Legacy
Jesse Jackson first gained national prominence in the 1960s as a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. Following King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson became one of America’s foremost civil rights leaders. He founded Operation PUSH in 1971 to enhance economic conditions within Black communities and later established the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984 to advocate for equal rights.
Impact on Society
Jackson’s activism spans multiple eras of the civil rights movement. His famous phrase, “Keep hope alive,” has inspired many, particularly during critical moments in American history, including the election of Barack Obama and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.
This ongoing health situation reflects the significant impact that Jackson has had on civil rights and social justice in the United States. The community and many supporters remain hopeful for his recovery.
