Political leaders, activists remember civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson

""My mentor, Rev. Jesse Jackson, has passed," Sharpton said. "I just prayed with his family by phone. He was a consequential and transformative leader who changed this nation and the world. He shaped public policy and changed laws. He kept the dream alive and taught young children from broken homes, like me, that we don't have broken spirits," Sharpton wrote. "He told us we were somebody and made us believe. I will always cherish him taking me under his wing, and I will forever try to do my part to keep hope alive.""

""Reverend Jesse Jackson was one of America's greatest patriots. He spent his life summoning all of us to fulfill the promise of America and building the coalitions to make that promise real.""

""Reverend Jackson was more than a civil rights advocate. He was a living bridge between generations carrying forward the unfinished work and sacred promise of the civil rights movement""

Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday morning in Chicago surrounded by family. He worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and became a prominent civil rights leader, advocate, and political figure. Jackson shaped public policy, influenced laws, and mentored younger activists. His mentorship gave hope to children from broken homes and inspired leaders like Al Sharpton. National figures from across the political spectrum praised his dedication to justice, coalition-building, and service to marginalized communities. Tributes described him as a bridge between generations who carried forward the unfinished work and sacred promise of the civil rights movement.

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