Chicago, Illinois, February 19, 2026
The passing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. has left a profound mark on the nation as tributes pour in for the civil rights icon who dedicated his life to advocating for justice and equality. Known for founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and his landmark presidential campaigns, Jackson’s legacy spans over five decades. His commitment to civil rights and social change continues to inspire many, as celebrations of his life and contributions are planned. Jackson passed away peacefully at home in Chicago, surrounded by family.
Chicago, Illinois – The nation is mourning the loss of civil rights icon, the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., who passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, at his home in Chicago at the age of 84, surrounded by his family. Tributes have immediately begun to pour in from across the United States, acknowledging his profound and lasting impact on the fight for justice and equality.
Reverend Jackson, a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a tireless advocate for the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked. His career spanned more than five decades, during which he founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an international organization dedicated to social change and empowerment. He made history with two groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, which galvanized millions of new voters and significantly influenced the national political landscape. Throughout his life, he championed issues including voting rights, job opportunities, education, and healthcare, insisting that civil rights and economic rights were inseparable. His family issued a statement describing him as a “servant leader” whose unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions.
Reverend Jackson had been battling health challenges in recent years, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2017, which was later confirmed in April 2025 as the more severe Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Despite his health, he continued to make public appearances, demonstrating his enduring commitment to social progress. Public observances to celebrate his life will be held in Chicago, with further details to be released by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
South Carolina State University Grapples with Fatal Dorm Shooting and Arrest
Orangeburg, South Carolina – The community of South Carolina State University is reeling after a shooting incident that occurred on Thursday night, February 12, 2026, in a dorm room at the Hugine Suites housing complex. The tragic event resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left one student injured and hospitalized. In a significant development this week, Khamanti Kennedy, an 18-year-old from Cordova, was arrested and charged with murder on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in connection with the shooting.
Authorities identified the deceased as 19-year-old Henry L. Crittington and 18-year-old Terrell Thomas. Officials confirmed that neither Crittington nor Thomas were students at the university but were visiting guests. The injured student’s identity and current condition have not yet been publicly released. Following the shooting, the campus was placed under an eight-hour lockdown, which was lifted on Friday morning, February 13, 2026. All classes were canceled through Monday, February 16, 2026, and counseling services were made available to students. The South Carolina State University Board of Trustees convened an emergency meeting to address the incident and review security protocols.
According to the arrest warrant, Kennedy allegedly participated in the purchase of marijuana, which investigators believe led to the shooting. Surveillance video reportedly shows Kennedy and three other individuals entering the Hugine Suites before leaving to retrieve items from a vehicle and later fleeing the scene after the shooting. In response to the incident, the university has implemented heightened security measures at key access points across the campus, effective February 17, 2026. These measures include increased vehicle searches and security screenings for guests entering the campus. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) continues its investigation into the fatal shooting.
Former Boyfriend Pleads Guilty in Allisha Watts Homicide Case
Charlotte, North Carolina – Nearly three years after her disappearance, a plea deal has been reached in the case of Allisha Watts. James Dunmore, Watts’ former boyfriend, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, to charges of voluntary manslaughter and failure to report a death by other than natural causes. Dunmore received a sentence ranging from 10 to 14 years in prison in connection with Watts’ 2023 death.
Allisha Watts was reported missing in July 2023 after traveling to Charlotte to visit Dunmore. Her remains were tragically discovered a month later in a wooded area of Montgomery County. Dunmore was the last person seen with Watts before her disappearance, and he was found unresponsive in Watts’ vehicle shortly after she was reported missing. He was initially charged with first-degree murder in August 2023. However, an autopsy report later listed Watts’ cause of death as undetermined.
Dunmore entered an Alford plea, meaning he accepted the conviction and punishment without formally admitting guilt to the charges. Prosecutors explained that this resolution was the most suitable outcome, acknowledging a “gulf between what we know and what we can prove,” indicating insufficient evidence to secure a murder conviction. During the court hearing, Dunmore offered an apology, characterizing the incident as a “psychological emergency.” He claimed that Watts had chased him into the woods after he attempted to jump out of her moving car, and he stated he had no memory of what occurred afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Rev. Jesse Jackson pass away?
- The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, at the age of 84.
- Where did Rev. Jesse Jackson pass away?
- He passed away at his home in Chicago, Illinois.
- What is Rev. Jesse Jackson remembered for?
- He is remembered as a civil rights icon, a tireless advocate for the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked, the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and for his two groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988.
- When did the shooting at South Carolina State University occur?
- The shooting occurred on Thursday night, February 12, 2026, in a dorm room at the Hugine Suites housing complex.
- How many people were killed and injured in the SC State University shooting?
- Two men were killed, and one student was injured and hospitalized.
- Who was arrested in connection with the SC State University shooting?
- Khamanti Kennedy, an 18-year-old from Cordova, was arrested and charged with murder on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
- What charges did James Dunmore plead guilty to?
- James Dunmore pleaded guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and failure to report a death by other than natural causes.
- When did James Dunmore enter his guilty plea?
- James Dunmore entered his guilty plea on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
- What was James Dunmore’s sentence?
- Dunmore received a sentence ranging from 10 to 14 years in prison.
- What was the cause of Allisha Watts’ death?
- An autopsy report listed Allisha Watts’ cause of death as undetermined.
Key Features of Recent News Events
| Event | Key Details | Date of Occurrence/Major Development | Geographical Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson | Civil rights icon, founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition, two-time presidential candidate, died at 84. | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | Nationwide |
| SC State University Fatal Shooting | Two men killed (Henry L. Crittington, Terrell Thomas), one student injured in dorm room. Khamanti Kennedy (18) arrested for murder. Campus security heightened. | Shooting: Thursday, February 12, 2026; Arrest: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | State-level (South Carolina) |
| James Dunmore Guilty Plea in Allisha Watts Homicide | Former boyfriend pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and failure to report death in 2023 case. Sentenced to 10-14 years. | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | City-level (Charlotte, NC / Montgomery County, NC) |
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