WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil paid an emotional tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson following news that the civil rights icon passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 84.
Jackson, a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., died peacefully in Chicago after a long battle with progressive neurological disease.
A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a two-time presidential candidate, Jackson remained active in advocacy work despite health challenges in recent years.
O’Neil shared a heartfelt message (via X) honoring Jackson’s impact on his life and career.
“Jesse Jackson was not only a hero too many including myself, but also a mentor to the world on how to fight for justice and be unapologetically yourself,” O’Neil wrote. He thanked Jackson and his family for welcoming him into their space and reflected on receiving the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Humanitarian Award from Jackson, calling it one of the highlights of his life. “His continued support over the years has been so inspiring to me. REST IN PEACE Rev. Jesse Jackson.”
Titus O’Neil and Jesse Jackson Become Intertwined Through WWE
Jackson’s connection to WWE extended beyond public life. In September 2014, he appeared on Monday Night Raw in Chicago in a backstage segment with O’Neil. They promoted positive role models and supported breast cancer awareness efforts alongside Susan G. Komen.
Known as a lifelong wrestling fan, Jackson often attended events and maintained ties within the industry. Reports have noted longstanding connections between the Jackson and McMahon families. Moreover, his collaboration with O’Neil reflected a shared commitment to community outreach.
Jackson’s family described him as a “servant leader” devoted to the oppressed and overlooked. For O’Neil and many others, his legacy now stands as both a guiding light and a call to continue that work.
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