Trending Now - Three Presidents Join Thousands to Honor Jesse Jackson's Legacy
WHO:
Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader, died on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84.
Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden attended the memorial service.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former First Lady Jill Biden also attended.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Rep. Maxine Waters, and Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts were scheduled speakers.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, spoke at the service.
Isiah Thomas, NBA Hall of Famer, shared personal reflections about Jackson.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden
Former Vice President Kamala Harris
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Former First Lady Jill Biden
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker
Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Ill.
Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts
Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson
Gospel legends Bebe Winans and Pastor Marvin Winans
Stevie Wonder
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Jesse Jackson Jr., son of Rev. Jesse Jackson
Yusef Jackson, son of Rev. Jesse Jackson
Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League
Jimmy Coleman, longtime aide to Rev. Jesse Jackson
Isiah Thomas, NBA Hall of Famer
Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden
Former Vice President Kamala Harris
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Former First Lady Jill Biden
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker
Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Ill.
Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts
Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson
Gospel legends Bebe Winans and Pastor Marvin Winans
NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas
Jackson's children, including Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Rev. Al Sharpton
California Governor Gavin Newsom
WHAT:
A public memorial service titled "Celebration of Hope" was held on March 6, 2026, at the House of Hope in Chicago.
The service was attended by thousands, with hundreds lined up to enter the 10,000-seat venue.
Jackson's family stated, "Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world."
Jackson's children called for unity and respect during the memorial services.
Musical performances included Jennifer Hudson and Stevie Wonder.
Memorial service for Rev. Jesse Jackson held on March 6, 2026
Public homegoing service at the House of Hope event center
Private memorial service at Rainbow PUSH headquarters on March 7, 2026
Jackson died on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84
Jackson's family stated, "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr."
Jackson's family called for unity during the memorial services
Biden remarked, "We’re in a tough spot folks. We’ve got an administration that doesn’t share any of the values that we have."
Obama stated, "We are living in a time when it can be hard to hope."
Musical performances included Stevie Wonder, Opal Staples, Terisa Griffin, and Kim Burrell
Jackson's children emphasized continuing their father's advocacy for universal human rights and economic justice
Memorial service for Jesse Jackson held on March 6, 2026, at the House of Hope in Chicago
Public homegoing service attended by hundreds, with a capacity of 10,000 seats
Private memorial service at Rainbow PUSH headquarters following the public service
Jackson died on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84
Jackson's family stated he died peacefully, surrounded by family
Biden made a remark stating, "I’m a h--- of a lot smarter than most of you" during his tribute
Obama emphasized the need for hope and called for Americans to step up for change
WHERE:
The memorial service took place at the House of Hope event center, located at 752 E. 114th St., Chicago, Illinois.
Jackson lay in state at the South Carolina Capitol prior to the memorial service.
House of Hope event center, Chicago, Illinois
Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, South Side of Chicago
South Carolina Capitol, Columbia, South Carolina
Selma, Alabama, site of the "Bloody Sunday" protest marches
House of Hope event center, Chicago, Illinois
Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, Chicago, Illinois
South Carolina Capitol, Columbia, South Carolina
WHEN:
Rev. Jesse Jackson died on February 17, 2026.
The public memorial service was held on March 6, 2026.
A private memorial service was scheduled for March 7, 2026.
Jackson died on February 17, 2026
Public memorial service held on March 6, 2026
Private memorial service held on March 7, 2026
Jackson's family and mentees to travel to Selma, Alabama, on March 8, 2026
Jackson died on February 17, 2026
Public memorial service held on March 6, 2026
Private memorial service scheduled for March 7, 2026
WHY:
The memorial service aimed to honor Jackson's legacy as a civil rights leader and advocate for economic justice and political power for Black Americans.
Jackson's family emphasized the importance of continuing his work in advocating for universal human rights and economic justice.
To honor the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson and continue his work in civil rights and social justice
Jackson's family and allies emphasized the importance of continuing his advocacy for economic justice and human rights
The memorial services were held to honor Jesse Jackson's legacy as a civil rights leader and his contributions to social justice, healthcare, education, and peace.
HOW:
The memorial service included speeches from prominent figures and musical performances to celebrate Jackson's life and legacy.
Jackson's family and allies organized commemorations, community service, and demonstrations following his passing to continue his work.
Public visitations allowed at Rainbow PUSH headquarters prior to the memorial services
Commemorations, community service, and demonstrations organized by Jackson's family and allies since his death
Speakers at the memorial service included prominent political figures and civil rights leaders who shared their reflections on Jackson's impact
The memorial service included speeches from prominent figures, musical performances, and reflections on Jackson's life and impact on civil rights and political activism.
(UPDATED March 8, 2026 01:20 UTC)
Rev. Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights leader, passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84, and a public memorial service titled "Celebration of Hope" was held in his honor on March 6 at the House of Hope in Chicago. Thousands attended the service, with hundreds lining up to enter the 10,000-seat venue, where prominent figures like Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden paid their respects. Jackson's family shared heartfelt remarks, describing him as a servant leader dedicated to uplifting the oppressed and calling for unity and respect among attendees. The memorial featured speeches from notable figures, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and musical performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson and Stevie Wonder. Prior to the public service, Jackson lay in state at the South Carolina Capitol, and his family emphasized the importance of continuing his legacy of advocating for universal human rights and economic justice.
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(UPDATED March 7, 2026 22:59 UTC)
A public memorial service for Rev. Jesse Jackson was held yesterday at the House of Hope event center in Chicago, honoring the civil rights leader who passed away on February 17 at the age of 84. The service was attended by notable figures including President Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton, who all reflected on Jackson's enduring legacy and the need for unity in today's challenging times. Musical tributes featured performances from Stevie Wonder and gospel legends Bebe Winans and Pastor Marvin Winans, adding a heartfelt touch to the occasion. Jackson's family emphasized their commitment to continuing his advocacy for universal human rights and economic justice, calling on attendees to carry forward his mission. Following the memorial, Jackson's family and mentees will travel to Selma, Alabama, tomorrow to further honor his impact on the civil rights movement.
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A memorial service for civil rights leader Jesse Jackson was held yesterday at the House of Hope in Chicago, attended by hundreds of notable figures, including Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, as well as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and singer Jennifer Hudson. Jackson, who passed away peacefully on February 17 at the age of 84, was celebrated for his significant contributions to social justice, healthcare, and education, with heartfelt tributes emphasizing the need for hope and change. Following the public service, a private memorial was scheduled for today at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters, where family and close friends will continue to honor his legacy.