PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago & CAIR Remember Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson
- For Immediate Release and Distribution -
(CHICAGO, IL, 2/17/26) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) and its National chapter (CAIR) today offered condolences on the passing of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, honoring his lifelong commitment to racial equality, economic fairness, and human rights.
Chicago Sun-Times: Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and Chicago icon, dead at 84
As founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Rev. Jackson built a Chicago-based movement rooted in multiracial, interfaith solidarity. From voting rights and labor justice to international human rights advocacy, his work reflected a belief that justice must be pursued both locally and globally
In a joint statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad and CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab said:
“We join the American Muslim community in extending our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Reverend Jesse Jackson. His historic life was a testament to what one committed person can do to advance for civil rights, racial equality, and economic fairness for all people.
“Rev. Jackson's moral clarity extended beyond the struggle for civil rights in our nation. He consistently voiced support for causes of justice around the world, including the freedom of the Palestinian people
from oppression and occupation.
“Rev. Jesse Jackson leaves behind a towering legacy. May his memory continue to inspire new generations of Americans of all faiths and backgrounds to stand up, speak out, and work together for a more just and inclusive society.”
They noted that Rev. Jackson frequently joined CAIR and the Muslim community in promoting justice. He joined CAIR-Chicago's 2011 Annual Gala as the keynote speaker.
As a civil rights organization grounded in faith and community, CAIR-Chicago honors Rev. Jackson’s legacy by continuing the work of protecting the vulnerable, building bridges across communities, and advancing human rights in Chicago and beyond. Community members experiencing civil rights injustices are encouraged to seek help at cairchicago.org/get-help.
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Hafsa Haider, Communications Director of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com
CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
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