Chicago church community remembers Rev. Jesse Jackson's role in its founding

Fellowship Church honors the late civil rights leader's influence in building their congregation

Feb. 22, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A South Side Chicago church community paid tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, remembering his integral role in the growth and founding of their congregation, Fellowship Church. The church's pastor, Rev. Reginald Sharpe Jr., called Jackson the "honorary co-pastor" who helped ensure the building was constructed, while church members vowed to continue Jackson's legacy of activism and service.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement and his influence extended to many communities and institutions across Chicago. His work in helping establish and support Fellowship Church is a testament to his lifelong commitment to empowering marginalized communities and fighting for social justice.

The details

Fellowship Church, located in Chicago's Fuller Park neighborhood, was able to build its current home thanks to Rev. Jesse Jackson's advocacy and support. The congregation honored Jackson's memory during a Sunday service that included a tribute video and remarks from Pastor Sharpe, who described a deep personal friendship with the late reverend and civil rights leader. Church members pledged to carry on Jackson's legacy of faith-driven activism.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away earlier this week at the age of 84.
  • Fellowship Church held a special service on Sunday, February 22, 2026 to remember Jackson's influence.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader and Baptist minister who was a mentor and source of inspiration to many, including the Fellowship Church community.

Rev. Reginald Sharpe Jr.

The pastor of Fellowship Church, who described a deep personal friendship with Rev. Jesse Jackson and called him the "honorary co-pastor" of the congregation.

Fellowship Church

A South Side Chicago church community that was able to build its current home thanks to Rev. Jesse Jackson's advocacy and support.

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What they’re saying

“We called him the honorary co-pastor, because the building we were standing in, he helped to make sure it was built.”

— Rev. Reginald Sharpe Jr., Pastor, Fellowship Church (NBC Chicago)

“He allowed his faith to fuel his fight. Church didn't end on Sunday for him.”

— Rev. Reginald Sharpe Jr., Pastor, Fellowship Church (NBC Chicago)

“I know it's going to be up to us to keep the movement going. Even when he was sick, he was still doing things to help everyone.”

— Barbara Seals, Church member, Fellowship Church (NBC Chicago)

What’s next

Multiple events celebrating Rev. Jesse Jackson's life and legacy are planned in Chicago next week, including a lying in state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters and a 'People's Celebration' at the House of Hope church.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's profound impact on the Fellowship Church community, and his lifelong dedication to civil rights and social justice, serve as an inspiration for the congregation to carry on his legacy of faith-driven activism and community empowerment.