BET HONORS THE ENDURING LEGACY OF CIVIL RIGHTS TRAILBLAZER REV. JESSE JACKSON WITH SPECIAL TRIBUTE, "JESSE JACKSON: IN HIS OWN WORDS," AIRING FEBRUARY 18 AND 19 ON BET

#BETRemembersReverendJesseJackson

NEW YORK, NY - February 17, 2026 - BET will honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of civil rights leader, activist, and political trailblazer Rev. Jesse Jackson with a special broadcast, "JESSE JACKSON: IN HIS OWN WORDS," airing Wednesday, February 18 at 12 PM ET/PT and 11 PM ET/PT, and Thursday, February 19 at 9 PM ET/PT on BET. The broadcast comes as the nation reflects on the passing of Rev. Jackson, whose decades of service helped reshape the landscape of civil rights and justice in America.

Narrated by CBS News National Correspondent Michelle Miller, this BET News special offers a rare and powerful look at Rev. Jackson's life through archival interviews and historic speeches that capture his profound national and global impact. From championing civil rights and economic empowerment to advocating for peace, gender equality, and social justice, Jackson's voice shaped generations.

Structured in four powerful acts, the special chronicles:

ACT I: Civil Rights - Jackson's humble beginnings and early activism in the segregated South and Midwest.

ACT II: Social Justice Warrior - His rise as a national leader following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where Jackson stood by King's side in his final moments.

ACT III: It's Political - Jackson's groundbreaking presidential campaigns and emergence as a formidable political force.

ACT IV: Keep Hope Alive - His continued fight for justice and equality, even amid health challenges, solidifying his legacy as a relentless change agent.

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a central figure in the modern Civil Rights Movement, marching alongside Dr. King and later founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. His historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 expanded the political imagination for Black Americans and communities of color nationwide. His leadership spanned decades and movements, leaving an undeniably transformative impact.

BET remembers Rev. Jesse Jackson as a leader, organizer, and visionary whose work transcended politics and inspired movements across the globe.

Viewers can tune in to "JESSE JACKSON: IN HIS OWN WORDS" on Wednesday, February 18 at 12 PM ET/PT and 11 PM ET/PT, and Thursday, February 19 at 9 PM ET/PT on BET. For more news and updates, visit BET.com.

ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA; PARAP), is the world's largest media company rooted in community, culture, and connection for the Black community. For over four decades, BET has served as a trusted home for Black audiences, amplifying authentic stories, elevating Black voices, and creating spaces where culture thrives and community comes together.

Through a powerful portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, BET connects audiences across cable, streaming, digital, live events, studios, and global platforms, delivering culturally resonant content that reflects the depth, creativity, and impact of the Black experience.

For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET announcements, visit paramountpressexpress.com/bet/.