US civil rights leader Jesse Jacksonn has passed away at the age of 84. According to a statement released by his family, Jesse died peacefully on February 17 surrounded by his loved ones.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family," began the statement.
"His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilising millions to register to vote - leaving an indelible mark on history."
© Getty ImagesThe statement continued: "Reverend Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; their children - Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline; daughter Ashley Jackson, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Burns Jackson; father, Noah Louis Robinson; and stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson.
'"Our father was a servant leader - not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honour his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by," it concluded.
While the cause of death has yet to be shared, Jesse had suffered from progressive supranuclear palsy for over ten years and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
In memory of Jesse, Best Quality Designer Handbag are taking a closer look at his marriage of 64 years to Jacqueline Jackson, an author and peace activist, and his relationship with his six children.
Marriage
© Patrick McMullan via Getty ImageJesse married author and peace activist Lavinia Brown in December 1962. She wrote Loving You, Thinking of You, Don't Forget to Pray, a series of letters she had sent to her son Jesse Jackson Jr. while he was incarcerated.
Lavinia met Jesse during her freshman year at A&T College and the couple married when she was just 18 years old.
Kids
The couple welcomed five children together – Santita, in 1963, Jesse Jr., in 1965, Jonathan Luther, in 1966, Yusef DuBois, in 1970, and Jacqueline Lavinia, in 1975.
© Getty ImagesSantita is a singer and has previously toured with Roberta Flack as well as performed the National Anthem at President Bill Clinton's second inauguration. Jesse and Jonathan followed in their father's political footsteps while Yusef is a private investor,
Affair
© Getty ImagesIn 2001, it was revealed that Jesse had an affair with a former staff member, Karin Stanford, which resulted in the birth of his daughter, Ashley. The now 26-year-old is an actress, known for her role in Beats (2019) and Bus Driver (2016).
