Rev. Jesse Jackson's Family Holds Intimate Final Goodbye

Private memorial at Rainbow PUSH headquarters honors civil rights leader's legacy.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A day after a high-profile public celebration, the family and close allies of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. gathered for a more intimate memorial service at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago. The event featured speeches from Jackson's children, civil rights leaders, and African heads of state, who called on attendees to continue his advocacy for human rights and economic justice.

Why it matters

The private memorial service allowed Jackson's inner circle to grieve and reflect on his decades-long legacy as a civil rights icon and champion of the poor and marginalized. His family and mentees emphasized the need to carry on his work, particularly in areas like immigration reform, economic inequality, and global human rights.

The details

The service at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters included musical performances, a stand-up set by comedian Chris Tucker, and remarks from leaders like U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, National Urban League president Marc Morial, and the presidents of South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They praised Jackson's prophetic voice, political strategy, and commitment to building diverse coalitions.

  • The final memorial service was held on Saturday, a day after a larger public celebration.
  • Jackson's body had previously lain in repose in Chicago and the South Carolina Capitol.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

A renowned civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate who dedicated his life to advocating for universal human rights and economic justice.

Yusef Jackson

One of Rev. Jackson's sons and the president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson

An Illinois Democrat and a son of the late Rev. Jackson.

Marc Morial

President of the National Urban League.

Cyril Ramaphosa

President of South Africa, who praised Rev. Jackson's work to end apartheid.

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What they’re saying

“It is appropriate that we respect this season of grief. However, it is also appropriate to honor him by stepping up, to step out, and continue his work by answering his call to serve.”

— Yusef Jackson, President of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition

“Let the word go out that anyone who would like to be president of the United States in 2028, you'd better study this concept of the rainbow coalition.”

— Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League

“When Jesse Jackson reminded the United States that its strength as a nation lies not in exclusion, but in the beautiful diversity of its people — Black and white, rich and poor, urban and rural, workers and farmers, immigrants and the forgotten — we were hugely inspired by his message.”

— Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa

What’s next

On Sunday, members of the Jackson family and many of his mentees will travel to Selma, Alabama to commemorate the 'Bloody Sunday' protest marches in 1965, an event that Rev. Jackson often attended.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's family and allies emphasized the need to continue his lifelong advocacy for universal human rights, economic justice, and building diverse coalitions - a legacy they are committed to upholding through ongoing activism and political engagement.