Chicago clergy honor Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy at Rainbow PUSH tribute

Reverend's life celebrated during heartfelt Saturday morning forum ahead of funeral services

Feb. 21, 2026 at 8:33pm

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Clergy from across Chicago gathered at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition on Saturday to honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday at the age of 84. The tribute featured emotional stories from community members whose lives were impacted by Jackson's decades of work advocating for racial equality, economic justice, and human rights.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, rising to prominence in the 1960s as a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His founding of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1970 cemented his legacy as a tireless champion for the causes of racial equality and economic justice, especially in the city of Chicago where he made his home. This tribute marks the beginning of funeral services honoring Jackson's life and work.

The details

The Saturday morning forum at Rainbow PUSH headquarters featured clergy from across Chicago sharing personal stories and reflections on Rev. Jackson's impact. Deborah Cosey-Lane, a leader in the Amalgamated Transit Union, spoke of how Jackson encouraged her to 'keep fighting' and 'keep the faith' when she felt hopeless. Rev. Michael Eaddy of the People's Church of the Harvest said Jackson inspired him to take social action beyond the walls of his church. Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, executive director of Live Free Illinois, called on attendees to 'keep hope alive', echoing Jackson's signature rallying cry.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 at the age of 84.
  • The Saturday morning tribute at Rainbow PUSH headquarters took place on February 21, 2026, kicking off funeral services for Jackson.
  • Rev. Jackson will lie in state at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters on Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27, with services starting at 10am each day.
  • A 'People's Celebration' for Rev. Jackson will be held in Chicago on March 6, 2026 at 10am at the House of Hope.
  • Private homegoing services for Rev. Jackson are scheduled for March 7, 2026 at 10am at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader who rose to prominence in the 1960s as a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1970 and spent decades advocating for racial equality, economic justice, and human rights.

Deborah Cosey-Lane

A leader in the Amalgamated Transit Union who met Rev. Jackson in 2016 and said he encouraged her to 'keep fighting' and 'keep the faith' when she felt hopeless.

Rev. Michael Eaddy

The pastor of the People's Church of the Harvest in East Garfield Park, who said Rev. Jackson inspired him to take social action beyond the walls of his church.

Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain

The executive director of Live Free Illinois, who called on attendees to 'keep hope alive', echoing Rev. Jackson's signature rallying cry.

Jacqueline Jackson

The wife of Rev. Jesse Jackson, who sat in the front row during the Saturday morning tribute.

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What they’re saying

“I still have life in me because I have hope. That hope was instilled because the reverend kept pouring it in when I looked like I was empty and like I was hopeless.”

— Deborah Cosey-Lane, Amalgamated Transit Union leader (suntimes.com)

“He inspired me in my role and as a pastor not to be confined to my church building nor to my congregants only, but to make an impact on my community and people at large.”

— Rev. Michael Eaddy, Pastor, People's Church of the Harvest (suntimes.com)

“Dr. King gave us a dream and he spoke of a dream. The Rev. Jackson spoke of hope.”

— Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, Executive Director, Live Free Illinois (suntimes.com)

What’s next

Funeral services for Rev. Jesse Jackson will continue as he lies in state at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters on Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27, with services starting at 10am each day. His remains will then travel to South Carolina and Washington D.C. from March 1-5. A 'People's Celebration' in Chicago will be held at 10am on March 6 at the House of Hope, and private homegoing services are scheduled for 10am on March 7 at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's life and legacy as a pioneering civil rights leader who championed racial equality, economic justice, and human rights will be honored through a series of funeral services in Chicago and beyond. His decades of work, including the founding of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, have left an indelible mark on the city and inspired generations of activists to 'keep hope alive'.