United News of Bangladesh

Prominent US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84, his family said on Tuesday. In a statement, the family said Jackson, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, died peacefully surrounded by relatives. The cause of death was not disclosed. Jackson had been suffering from progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare degenerative neurological condition. Tributes poured in for the veteran activist, who played a key role in the US civil rights movement and ran twice for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 1980s. Former US President Barack Obama described Jackson as a giant of American history, saying his presidential campaigns helped pave the way for future generations of leaders. Obama said Jackson spent decades fighting for justice, dignity and equality in the United States and beyond. Jackson is survived by his wife Jacqueline and their children, including Jesse Jackson Jr, a former US congressman. Born in 1941 in South Carolina, Jackson rose to national prominence in the 1960s as a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. and was present when King was assassinated in Memphis in 1968. He later became a leading voice for poor and working-class Americans, advocating racial justice, voting rights and economic equality. US President Donald Trump said Jackson was a man of strong personality who truly cared about people. Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton said Jackson devoted his life to expanding opportunity and human dignity. Civil rights leader Al Sharpton said Jackson was a transformative figure who inspired generations to believe in justice and equality. Jackson’s family said his lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice helped shape movements across the world and left a lasting mark on history.   With inputs from BBC