Rev. Jesse Jackson hospitalized due to neurodegenerative condition.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader, has been hospitalized due to a long-term neurodegenerative condition, as announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Jackson was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital on a Wednesday evening, where he is under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare and progressive brain disorder that affects movement, balance, and cognitive functions such as memory and speech.
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization founded by Jackson in 1996 through the merger of Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, released a statement emphasizing the family’s gratitude for the prayers and support during this challenging time. The coalition has long been dedicated to advocating for social justice and civil rights for marginalized communities.
Jackson’s medical journey has been fraught with challenges. Initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, a more accurate diagnosis of PSP was made in April 2025. Progressive supranuclear palsy typically manifests in individuals in their sixties and shares some symptoms with Parkinson’s disease. According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, individuals diagnosed with PSP often experience significant disabilities within three to five years of onset.
The effects of neurodegenerative diseases have deeply impacted Jackson, who has previously described the recognition of his condition as painful and a slow realization of its seriousness. He has been a significant figure in the civil rights movement, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and advocating for equality and social change throughout his life.
In recent years, Jackson has faced several health setbacks, including gallbladder surgery, hospitalization due to a COVID-19 infection, and an injury sustained from a fall at Howard University. Despite his health challenges, Jackson has remained an influential figure in social activism, announcing his retirement as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 2023, with Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III designated as his successor.
An influential political activist, Jackson made two presidential runs during the 1980s and has been recognized for his contributions to society, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000. His legacy as a champion for civil rights remains significant, and his current health condition is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many in society.
Coverage and support for Jackson’s condition continue to emphasize the need for awareness and understanding of neurological disorders.
Media News Source
