Jesse Jackson's Children Honor His Civil Rights Legacy

The adult children of the late Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. gave an emotional tribute to their father's decades-long work in civil rights.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:55am

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A day after the death of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., his adult children gathered outside his Chicago home to honor his legacy. The family shared memories, tears, and laughter as they remembered Jackson not only for his civil rights work, but also for his role as a spiritual leader and devoted father. They announced that Jackson's funeral services will welcome all, regardless of political affiliation, to celebrate his life and impact.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and continuing the fight for racial equality and justice for decades. His death marks the passing of an era, and his children's tribute highlights Jackson's lasting influence and the family's commitment to carrying on his life's work.

The details

Five of Jackson's children, including U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, gathered on the steps of his Chicago home to remember him. They spoke of his dedication to civil rights and human rights, as well as his role as a spiritual leader and father. The family said Jackson's funeral services will be held next week, with him lying in repose at the headquarters of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, the organization he founded, before services at a larger church.

  • Jesse Jackson died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The children's tribute took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, a day after his death.

The players

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

A prominent civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and continued the fight for racial equality and justice for decades.

Yusef Jackson

The youngest son of Jesse Jackson, who oversees the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, the organization his father founded.

Santita Jackson

The eldest child of Jesse Jackson, who spoke about her father's dedication to fatherhood.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

The eldest son of Jesse Jackson, a former congressman who said his father's funeral services would welcome all, regardless of political affiliation.

Jonathan Jackson

A U.S. Representative and one of Jesse Jackson's children who participated in the tribute.

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What they’re saying

“Our father is a man who dedicated his life to public service to gain, protect and defend civil rights and human rights to make our nation better, to make the world more just, our people better neighbors with each other.”

— Yusef Jackson, Youngest son of Jesse Jackson

“Our father took fatherhood very seriously. It was his charge to keep.”

— Santita Jackson, Eldest child of Jesse Jackson

“If his life becomes a turning point in our national political discourse, amen. His last breath is not his last breath.”

— Jesse Jackson Jr., Eldest son of Jesse Jackson

What’s next

The family said details on funeral arrangements for Jesse Jackson would be announced at a later time, but services will begin next week, with him lying in repose at the headquarters of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago before services at a larger church.

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's children's emotional tribute highlights the lasting impact of their father's life and work in the civil rights movement. As they carry on his legacy, his funeral services will serve as a moment for the nation to come together and reflect on his profound contributions to the fight for equality and justice.