Notorious leftist activist Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. has been moved out of intensive care after the 84-year-old was admitted to the unit to help elevate his blood pressure, Just the News reported. Jackson suffers from progressive supranuclear palsy and will remain hospitalized for observation.
Jackson was a mainstay in the political culture for decades due to his early association with the late Martin Luther King Jr. He founded the Rainbow Push Coalition in 1996 to fight for progressive causes, including racial justice, and the organization bills itself as "a multi-racial, multi-issue, progressive, international membership organization fighting for social change."
The news broke Sunday that Jackson was admitted to the ICU at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital to receive the medication that is a "form of life support" for people whose bodies are unable to keep blood pressure high enough for survival, his organization shared. Jackson's son, Yusef, updated the public on Jackson's progress in a statement.
"We believe in the power of prayer, and we are grateful for the overwhelming outreach and prayers of the faithful. Our father is alert and continues to share his vision for churches and pastors to come together and reduce malnutrition during this period," Yusef Jackson said.
Although there has been some progress in his condition, Jackson will remain hospitalized due to his ongoing battle with PSP. Fellow racial justice warrior and equally notorious activist Al Sharpton also shared about Jackson's recovery in a post on X on Monday to address the rumors about the severity of the situation.
"I called in to Keepin’ It Real w/ Al Sharpton (live 1 to 4 PM ET) from Chicago as my daughter Dominique hosts the show in the studio. I shared an important update on Rev. Jesse Jackson. Reports that he was on life support are not true," Sharpton wrote.
"He is stable, surrounded by his family, and giving clear instructions on Thanksgiving efforts for ministers around the country. He still needs our prayers as he continues recovering, but he spoke with us and was fully engaged.
Sharpton included a video of his radio show call-in on the post. The 71-year-old racial activist was dressed in a suit and coat and appeared to be in the back of a chauffeured vehicle.
I called in to Keepin’ It Real w/ Al Sharpton (live 1 to 4 PM ET) from Chicago as my daughter Dominique hosts the show in studio.
I shared an important update on Rev. Jesse Jackson. Reports that he was on life support are not true. He is stable, surrounded by his family, and… pic.twitter.com/N92ByunJ9P
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) November 17, 2025
Jackson was found to suffer from PSP after first receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's syndrome in April 2013, The Hill reported. According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, PSP is "a rare neurological disorder that affects body movements, walking and balance, and eye movements."
The progression of the PSP usually begins in the patient's 60s and presents as Parkinson's-like symptoms. Many patients suffer from stiffness, slow movement, and loss of balance. Unfortunately, most people who contract the disorder are severely disabled in three to five years, but Jackson seems to have beaten the odds.
Studies indicate that the disorder occurs in about 5-6.4 people per 100,000 worldwide. The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society’s official journal said the prevalence of the disease could be higher than what is currently recorded, as "enhanced global collaboration" would be required to capture the full scope.
Jackson is a Baptist minister who was prominent in the Democratic Party on the periphery as an activist. However, he ran twice for the Democratic presidential nominee, coming in second to former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis in 1988 and third behind former Colorado Sen. Gary Hart and second to former Vice President Walter Mondale, who won the 1984 nomination before losing the general election.
Many people have called Jackson a grifter and an agitator, and perhaps those labels are well earned. However, he is also an elderly man who is very sick, and his family cares deeply about his well-being. He deserves only sympathy and prayers at this time.
