Jackson, 76, disclosed in November that he has been seeking outpatient care for two years for Parkinson’s disease. In a letter to supporters, he said family and friends noticed a change three years ago, and he could no longer ignore symptoms of the chronic neurological disorder that causes movement difficulties.
It was unclear how his treatment would affect his leadership of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, the Chicago-based civil rights group he founded more than 20 years ago. Jackson has remained active in his advocacy and travels.
A protégé of King and a witness to the 1968 assassination of the civil rights icon, Jackson was instrumental in guiding the modern civil rights movement on issues including voting rights and education.
Jackson was twice a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 1980s.
Source: StarTribune.com