KY SR104

Kentucky Senate resolution adjourning in honor and memory of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., who died February 17, 2026, at age 84

Rev. Jackson founded Operation PUSH in 1971 and the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984 (merged in 1996), organizations focused on economic empowerment, education, and political engagement for disadvantaged communities

His 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns registered over 3 million new voters combined, won 10.5 million total votes, and placed first or second in 46 of 54 primary contests in 1988

Served as international diplomat securing release of hostages and prisoners from Syria (1984), Cuba (1984), Kuwait/Iraq (1990), Kosovo (1999), and Liberia (2000)

Received Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Clinton on August 9, 2000, along with more than 40 honorary doctorate degrees and the NAACP Spingarn Award