Civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson has been discharged from Northwestern Memorial Hospital after treatment for his health condition. The announcement came from the Rainbow PUSH Organization, which Jackson founded, on Monday.
Health Condition and Hospital Stay
Jesse Jackson, 84, was hospitalized to manage his blood pressure and observe his condition related to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The organization confirmed he is currently stable and is returning to a residence.
Yusef Jackson, his son and family spokesperson, expressed gratitude for the support received from friends and medical staff during this challenging time. He emphasized the power of prayer in his father’s recovery.
Details of Jackson’s Condition
- Jackson has been managing PSP for over a decade.
- Originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, his PSP was confirmed last April.
- PSP is a rare neurological disorder that affects movement and balance.
- Most individuals with PSP experience severe disability within three to five years.
Despite his health challenges, Jackson has remained active. Prior to his hospitalization, he called on 2,000 churches to prepare food baskets to combat malnutrition during the holiday season.
Legacy of Jesse Jackson
Jackson gained national attention in the 1960s as a close aide to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. After King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson emerged as a leading figure in the civil rights movement.
In 1971, he founded Operation PUSH, aiming to improve economic conditions in Black communities nationwide. He later established the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984 to advocate for equal rights for all Americans. Both organizations eventually merged to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, enhancing their collective impact.
Continued updates will be made available as more information about Jackson’s health is released.
