CHICAGO, Ill. (Feb. 17, 2026) – Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump released the following statement on the passing of his longtime friend, mentor, and civil rights giant, Jesse Jackson:
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Reverend Jackson. He was a leading icon of the Civil Rights Movement and a personal friend who helped shape the course of my life and the lives of so many committed to justice and the ideal of America.
“From marching alongside Dr. King and standing just feet away when he was taken from us, to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and running historic presidential campaigns that energized and registered millions of Black voters, Reverend Jackson never stopped pushing America to live up to its promise. He took on corporate America, fought tirelessly to protect voting rights, negotiated the release of hostages across the globe, and remained on the front lines of protest well into his later years, even in the face of serious illness. He was an unstoppable and formidable force, proving that no opponent or battle was too big.
“Reverend Jackson conceived of a more just and inclusive America, believed in it with unwavering faith, and dedicated his entire life to achieving it –– all while teaching the next generation how to carry the torch forward.
“Because of Reverend Jackson, there is a broader path in American politics and public life for leaders of color. Because of Reverend Jackson, millions were empowered to say, ‘I am somebody.’ His legacy is woven into every advancement in voting rights, economic justice, and civil rights over the last half-century.
“While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life lived fully in service to others. We extend our deepest condolences to his beloved family and to the countless people around the world who were inspired by his courage, conviction, and unrelenting pursuit of justice. His legacy is a gift to us all and his words, a guiding mission: ‘Hold your head high, stick your chest out. It gets dark sometimes, but morning comes. Keep hope alive.’
“Rest well, my friend. We will continue the fight.”
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ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.
