Rev. Jesse Jackson Remembered at 84 as Leaders Call Him “A Voice for the Voiceless” Tributes continue to pour in following the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson at age 84, with political leaders, civil rights advocates, and entertainers honoring a man many describe as a generational force for justice. Jackson rose to national prominence during the civil rights movement and later made history with two presidential campaigns that expanded political engagement among minority and working-class voters. His advocacy centered on economic fairness, voting rights, and coalition-building across communities. Former Vice President Kamala Harris shared a personal reflection, recalling her days as a law student driving across the Bay Bridge with a “Jesse Jackson for President” bumper sticker. She described the public support she witnessed as proof of Jackson’s ability to inspire everyday Americans. Filmmaker Tyler Perry honored Jackson as “a life that inspired and a voice that will echo forever,” while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called him “a legendary voice for the voiceless” and “the people’s champion.” Civil rights leader Martin Luther King III praised Jackson’s decades of service, highlighting his unwavering commitment to equality. Actors also reflected on his influence. Wendell Pierce shared how Jackson’s courage during a tense campus incident left a lasting lesson in self-determination. Holly Robinson Peete remembered him officiating her wedding in 1995, calling his presence a blessing. Beyond activism, Jackson appeared on programs such as Sesame Street and Saturday Night Live, bridging public service and pop culture. Supporters say Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy will endure through the countless lives he impacted and the generations he inspired to “keep hope alive.”