At 84, Rev Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader, Hospitalised Battling a Rare Neurodegenerative Disease - Report

Rev Jesse Jackson, a renowned civil rights leader, aged 84, has been hospitalised recently for treatment and observation related to a rare neurodegenerative disease. Jackson, celebrated worldwide for his decades-long fight for racial equality, social justice, and political empowerment, is now facing one of his most personal battles yet. 

The news of his hospital admission in Chicago has sparked concern and sympathy among supporters as he bravely navigates this challenging phase of his life. He became a powerful voice for racial equality from the 1960s onwards, and his health update has drawn widespread attention.

Why Was Jesse Jackson Hospitalised?

🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING: REV. JESSE JACKSON HOSPITALIZED IN CHICAGO

Jesse Jackson has been hospitalized in Chicago, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because the matter involves sensitive health information.

The source said Jackson has… pic.twitter.com/dvI07axNe6

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 13, 2025

Jackson’s admission stems from a diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). It is a rare neurodegenerative disease, confirmed last April. His organisation, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said: “He has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for more than a decade.” Initially, Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017, but further medical evaluation clarified the condition as PSP. 

PSP is known to affect movement, balance, eye motion and swallowing. It progresses faster than Parkinson’s and has fewer treatment options. The hospitalisation comes as Jackson’s team picks up on a worsening of symptoms that require close observation.

Who is Jesse Jackson and His Legacy?

Jesse Jackson’s place in American history is profound. He remains an iconic civil rights activist, political leader, and Baptist minister. Starting his public activism as a young man under the mentorship of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson quickly rose as a powerful voice in the civil rights movement.

In 1965, Jackson participated in the historic Selma to Montgomery marches that were crucial in advancing voting rights and equality. He later led Operation Breadbasket, a Chicago-based initiative to protest discriminatory hiring practices, and founded the organisations Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and the National Rainbow Coalition. 

These later merged to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which continues to fight for economic justice, voting rights, and social equality. Beyond activism and politics, he has been a global diplomat, negotiating for hostage releases and advocating for human rights worldwide.

Conclusion

Rev Jesse Jackson’s recent hospitalisation due to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy marks a difficult chapter in the life of one of America’s most passionate defenders of justice. As he receives medical care, he remains a towering figure whose life's work has changed society in lasting ways. His struggle with this rare disease serves as a potent reminder of the personal battles even the most resilient leaders face.