Former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have paid glowing tribute to civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, describing him as a towering figure whose legacy reshaped American democracy. Michelle Obama, they said, first witnessed grassroots political organising at the Jackson family kitchen table during her teenage years. They extended their condolences to the Jackson family and to residents of Chicago and supporters worldwide who were touched by the civil rights leader’s life and work. US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson died at the age of 84. Jesse Jackson was a prominent civil rights campaigner who ran twice for the Democratic Party's nomination for president in 1984 and 1988.

Source: The Star February 18, 2026 05:28 UTC