WASHINGTON, DC (February 17, 2026) – Thomasina W. Yearwood, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust, Inc. (TMCT), in conjunction with Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, President of the Board of Directors, issued the following statement on the passing of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who died today at the age of 84.
“I’m at a loss for words as I reflect on the sacrifices, service, and lasting impact achieved by Rev. Jackson throughout his life,” Yearwood said. “Rev. Jackson was a member of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inner circle, where he learned and carried forward the strategies of non-violent resistance in the ongoing quest for justice and equality for Black Americans and all who continue to face oppression.
“Here in the District of Columbia, we have long been grateful to Rev. Jackson for his service as our shadow senator from 1991 to 1997 and for his unwavering commitment to the cause of D.C. statehood. We will never forget his many visits to and support of our Center, named in honor of America’s first Black Supreme Court justice, the Honorable Thurgood Marshall.
“Our organization manages the historic Twelfth Street YMCA building, now the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage, which continues to provide nonprofit services and community programming,” Yearwood added. “Rev. Jackson will always be remembered for his rallying cry, ‘Keep hope alive,’ and for reminding us that our children need our presence more than our presents.
“Like Rev. Jackson, who always made space for young people and future leaders, we remain committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering children, youth, and families to pursue equality and social and economic justice through dialogue and collective action.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. He will be remembered as a drum major for justice, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”