On February 17, 2026, the world lost an icon. Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away at the age of 84. As a longtime activist, he impacted many lives, including famous ones. Among the people he inspired was NBA legend, Magic Johnson. For the Lakers icon, this loss is personal. On a single day he’s celebrating two of his best friendships, one takes a solemn note.

Following a reunion with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic sent heartfelt birthday wishes to his longtime friend, Michael Jordan. But the sentiment quickly pivoted to the loss of Jesse Jackson.

In a lengthy tribute, Johnson wrote, “Today, we lost one of the most influential civil rights giants our country has ever known.”

Rev. Jackson had been a close personal mentor to several athletes, including the 5x NBA champion. Something Magic confirmed when he wrote, “Reverend Jesse Jackson was more than a civil rights leader — he was a champion for people who needed someone to believe in them. I’ve met a lot of leaders in my life, on and off the court, but Reverend Jackson stood in a league of his own. He carried himself with strength, faith, and an unshakable belief that better days were always ahead.”

Magic’s tribute had a moving reflection of their friendship, writing, “I was privileged to call him a friend as we used to meet in my office in LA or his office in Chicago on countless occasions to discuss economic empowerment in Black and Brown communities.”

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The known connection between them is Joel Ferguson, an esteemed Michigan State alum who was Jackson’s campaign manager and a business mentor to Magic. But the billionaire athlete revealed that the activist inspired his business moves beyond his slogan, “Keep hope alive.”

“He reminded us that success means nothing if you don’t lift others up along the way,” Johnson wrote. “He held corporate America accountable for doing business with minority firms and suppliers. He paved the way for so many of us to dream bigger and walk taller. Because of him, doors opened. Because of him, voices were heard. He brought people together across race, class, and background, and he never stopped pushing America to be its best self.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson made Magic Johnson

For decades, Rev Jesse Jackson was a frequent presence at Johnson’s side, particularly during the 1990s when Magic was transitioning from the NBA to a business mogul. Pictures of Magic in that decade after his NBA retirement showed a deep friendship. One that made Magic say, “We’ve lost a powerful voice, but his message will never fade. His faith, his courage, and his love for America and the Black and Brown communities will continue to inspire generations.”

It’s hard not to see reflections of the civil rights icon in Magic Johnson. Jackson knew that athletes had the power to make an impact and encouraged them to invest in urban development projects. The NBA legend’s business investments, like Equitrust, has been about promoting minority-owned businesses and progress.

Magic promised to carry forward those lessons when he ended his message with, “Rest in peace, Reverend Jesse Jackson. We will keep hope alive — just like you taught us. Cookie and I are praying for the Jackson family, friends and employees of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition during this difficult time.”