After scary health concerns and false claims of being on life support, there are finally some positive health updates about civil rights icon and Martin Luther King Jr. protégé Reverend Jesse Jackson’s condition in the hospital.
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If you didn’t know, Jesse Jackson, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015 and re-diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in April, has been staying at Western Memorial Hospital in Chicago since Nov. 12, according to USA Today.
PSP is a rare neurological condition that affects certain areas of your brain, causing you to think, walk, move your eyes, and even swallow differently, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The condition has no cure, but can be treated to help manage symptoms.
However, in a statement released by Jackson’s organization Rainbow Push Coaltion, his family cleared up false reports about his health and confirmed that the activist is in stable condition.
“The family of Reverend Jesse L Jackson, Sr., wishes to clarify his current medical condition following inaccurate media reports. Reverend Jackson is in stable condition and breathing without the assistance of machines. He remains under the care of physicians as he manages progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurological disorder he was diagnosed with in April.”
The family added that they appreciate all the prayers and kind messages they have received while Rev. Jesse Jackson has been in the hospital. The well-wishes kept coming in as supporters of the family filled the comments with hearts and prayer hands emojis.
The post also included a quote from Jackson’s son, Yusef Jackson, who stated that, despite being hospitalized, the activist continues to focus on serving those in need.
“In fact, today he called for 2,000 churches to prepare 2,000 baskets of food to prevent malnutrition during the holiday season.”
Jackson has had multiple health scares over recent years. In 2021, we reported that he was hospitalized with COVID-19, and later in that same year, we reported that Rev. Jesse Jackson fell and hit his head while at Howard University and was hospitalized again.
Despite these health concerns, Rev. Al Sharpton, the activist and Civil Rights leader, posted on X that Jackson remains fully engaged, but still needs prayers as recovers.
“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 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.”
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