Progressive minister and civil rights activist Rev Jesse Jackson has started his rehabilitation treatment regarding COVID-19 while his wife is still in the intensive care unit.
A statement released by Jesse Jackson's son, Jonathan, affirms that the Rev Jackson has moved into Shirly Ryan Ability Lab, where he will undergo intensive occupational and physical therapy. Jacqueline, meanwhile, is still in the ICU at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago but no longer requires a ventilator.
"Both of our parents are continuing to receive excellent medical care. We urge that you continue to keep them in your prayers because we know this is a serious disease," Jonathan told the press. "We continue to receive the love that is being poured out to our family from around the world, and it is greatly appreciated as we express our love and concern for the millions of people whom the COVID-19 virus and its variants have victimized. We know this is a dangerous disease, so please remain prayerful for all of those who are suffering as a result."
Rev Jackson was committed to a hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Rev Jackson's organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, confirmed that the couple had been infected, that they were both being monitored, and that "Anyone who has been around either of them for the last five or six days should follow the CDC guidelines."
On Friday night, Martin Luther King III asked for others to pray for the Rev Jackson. "We've seen him all over the country and made so many sacrifices so that many things that exist today exist for all of us," King III proclaimed. "So Rev Jackson and Mrs Jackson, so our prayers continue to be lifted like so many others around the nation and world." Rev Jackson had previously served alongside Martin Luther King Jr, appearing at several civil rights rallies together.
Rev Jackson, 79, had been previously vaccinated and acted as a vocal advocate for COVID-19 vaccines among Black communities. He has built a career speaking out in support of politically progressive causes and has a legacy advocating for civil rights.
