REMEMBERING THE LEGACY OF A TRUE CIVIL RIGHTS ICON
NABLEO Mourns The Passing of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dated: Tuesday February 17, 2026
It is with a sense of deep sorrow and grief that the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers, Inc. (NABLEO) mourns the passing of civil rights leader, ordained Baptist minister, and social justice icon, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.
During his lifetime, he played one of the most pivotal roles in the efforts to support civil rights, voter rights, gender equality, world peace, and social justice. A close confidant of the late Rv. Martin Luther King, Jr., he was known for his efforts in bringing people together on common ground across lines of race, culture, class, gender and belief, often called the “Conscience of the Nation” and “the Great Unifier.” He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor by then President Bill Clinton in 2000.
His legacy will live on through his family, most notably his wife, Jacqueline, and their five children, Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline. He is also survived by a sixth child, Ashley. And his works will continue through his nonprofit social justice organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
In his own words, he may possibly be remembered best when he stated “We must turn to each other and NOT on each other.” Thus we must all determine what our part is in the fight for civil rights and social justice, and what part we will play in that battle.
Called by some “an American original,” Jesse Jackson will be remembered by all as one of the most transformative civil rights leaders in America.
We lend our heart-felt condolences and prayers to his family, close friends and associates. Rev. Jackson will be sorely missed.
The National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers, Inc, a 501.(c).(3) non-profit, is a premier national organization representing the interests and concerns of African American, Latino and other criminal justice practitioners of color serving in law enforcement, corrections, and investigative agencies throughout the United States, and the communities in which they serve.
