Rev Jesse Jackson Discharged from Hospital After Rare Brain Disorder Treatment

Rev Jesse Jackson Discharged from Hospital After Rare Brain Disorder Treatment

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader, has been released from a Chicago hospital after undergoing treatment for a rare brain disorder for over 12 days, as confirmed by his family. The 84-year-old activist was discharged from Northwestern Memorial Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition, according to a statement from his son and family representative, Yusef Jackson.

Health Struggles and Diagnosis

Jackson, known for his significant contributions to social justice and political activism, was hospitalized earlier this month for observation related to progressive supranuclear palsy. This condition is a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects a person’s balance, movement, and eye motion. Prior to this diagnosis, Jackson was identified as having Parkinson’s disease in 2013, and in April 2025, his diagnosis was updated to PSP.

Support from Family and Community

In the statement released through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which Jackson founded, Yusef expressed profound gratitude for the support received from friends and followers during this challenging time. “Our family would like to thank the countless friends and supporters who have reached out, visited, and prayed for our father,” Yusef stated. He emphasized the power of prayer, noting, “We bear witness to the fact that prayer works and would also like to thank the professional, caring, and amazing medical and security staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.”

Coping with Parkinson’s Disease

Jackson first publicly shared his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2017, a moment he described as recognizing the painful effects of the disease. He stated, “After a battery of tests, my physicians identified the issue as Parkinson’s disease, a disease that bested my father. Recognition of the effects of this disease on me has been painful, and I have been slow to grasp the gravity of it.”

Recent Health Challenges

In addition to his recent hospitalization for the brain disorder, Jackson has encountered several health issues over the years, including gallbladder surgery and a hospitalization due to COVID-19. In 2021, he experienced a fall in Washington, D.C. while assisting students protesting poor campus living conditions, which resulted in him hitting his head.

A Legacy of Activism

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy as a civil rights leader began in the 1960s when he joined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a key lieutenant in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Jackson played a pivotal role in the Selma to Montgomery marches, which advocated for voting rights for African Americans.

Political Aspirations

Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Jackson emerged as a leading figure in the fight for civil rights, carrying forward King’s vision of equality and justice. He ran for the presidency as a Democrat in 1984 and 1988, positioning himself as a representative of marginalized voices across the nation.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition

In 1996, Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition by merging two organizations he had established: Operation PUSH, which aimed to uplift communities and save humanity, and the National Rainbow Coalition, which sought to broaden the civil rights agenda. This coalition continues to promote social justice and economic equity.

Final Thoughts

As Rev. Jesse Jackson begins the next chapter of his recovery, the support from his family, friends, and community will remain crucial. His dedication to social justice continues to inspire many, highlighting the importance of compassion and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Fox News’ Ashley Carnahan and Reuters contributed to this report.