The family of Reverend Jesse Jackson has shared an update following the civil rights leader’s recent hospitalization. The 84-year-old was admitted for observation related to a neurodegenerative condition that was formally identified earlier this year. This news has prompted an outpouring of support for the iconic figure who has been a prominent voice for justice and equality for decades.
Reverend Jackson’s nonprofit organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which he founded, released a statement to provide clarity on his health. They confirmed that he has been managing the effects of a progressive neurological disorder for more than ten years. He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease back in 2017, but last April, doctors confirmed his condition is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, or PSP.
This clarification helps explain the ongoing challenges he has faced. PSP is a rare brain disorder that is often mistaken for Parkinson’s disease due to overlapping symptoms, which can include slowed movement, stiffness, and difficulty with balance. The condition affects eye movement, walking, and speech, and it progresses over time. Understanding this specific diagnosis provides a clearer picture of the health battle Jackson has been quietly waging.
When he first went public with his Parkinson’s diagnosis eight years ago, Jackson demonstrated his characteristic resilience. He wrote that he had begun to notice symptoms several years prior but had tried to work through them. He acknowledged that receiving the diagnosis was painful, especially since his father had also battled the disease. Yet, even then, he firmly stated that the illness was “not a stop sign,” reflecting the determined spirit that has defined his life’s work.
As a key protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time presidential candidate in the 1980s, Jesse Jackson’s impact on American society is immeasurable. His current health struggle is a reminder of the human behind the historic legacy. His family has expressed gratitude for the prayers and support from the public during this difficult time as they focus on his care and comfort.
