SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The renowned civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson has been released from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where he received treatment for a rare neurological disorder, according to his son.
The 84-year-old activist was discharged Monday after being hospitalized since November 14. Yusef Jackson, the family spokesperson, expressed gratitude for the support from friends and the medical staff involved in Jackson's care.
Rev. Jackson, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease since 2013, received a new diagnosis in April 2022, revealing that he suffers from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a condition which shares symptoms with Parkinson’s.
Yusef Jackson thanked the countless supporters who have offered prayers and encouragement during this challenging period, emphasizing the family's need for continued thoughts and prayers.
Touted as a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson is well-known for his activism and served as a two-time presidential candidate. His visitors during his hospitalization included notable figures such as former President Bill Clinton and prominent civil rights leaders.
Despite his declining health and reliance on a wheelchair, Jackson remained active in his community. He made public appearances well into 2023, even participating in the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago before stepping down from his leadership role at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, which he founded in 1971.
His family, including his sons and other relatives, have been providing him with care in shifts as he grapples with the challenges posed by his condition, which affects his mobility and speech.
