Rev. Jesse Jackson is an American civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and politician. Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, he became a prominent figure in the fight for racial equality and social justice. Jackson founded the organization Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and was a key aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement. In addition to his activism, Jackson ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, becoming the first African American to make a significant bid for the presidency. His work has focused on issues such as economic justice, education, and healthcare, making him a respected voice in American politics.