Notable Death: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. (1941–2026)

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., an icon of the American civil rights movement and a lifelong advocate for justice, equality, and economic empowerment, died on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84.

A protégé of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson founded Operation PUSH and later the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and twice sought the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. For more than sixty years, he stood at the forefront of national conversations on voting rights, labor equity, education, and opportunities for marginalized communities.

Jackson also had ties to Evansville. On February 20, 1977, he spoke at the Vanderburgh Auditorium, the venue that was later renovated and is now Old National Events Plaza. The following day, February 21, 1977, Jackson addressed students at Bosse High School as part of Black History Month programming.

In the next edition of Our Times, we will publish a special tribute honoring his life, legacy, and the impact of his leadership — including reflections from those who encountered him during his time in Evansville.

If you have stories, photographs, or information you would like to share — particularly from his 1977 visit — please contact our newsroom at 812-401-1882 or email ourtimesnews@memorialcdc.org.