Jesse Jackson's Children Honor His Civil Rights Legacy

Family remembers the late reverend as a devoted father and spiritual leader

Feb. 22, 2026 at 2:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A day after the death of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., his children gathered outside his Chicago home to pay tribute to his decades-long work in the fight for civil rights and human rights. His children, including U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, shared emotional memories of Jackson as both a public figure and a loving father, promising that his legacy will live on.

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 social justice for over 60 years. His passing marks the end of an era, but his children are committed to honoring his life's work and ensuring his impact endures.

The details

Jackson died on Tuesday at his home in Chicago after battling a rare neurological disorder. His children, including his youngest son Yusef who oversees the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition organization that Jackson founded, gathered on the steps of his home to share memories and plan funeral arrangements. They described Jackson as a devoted father and spiritual leader, in addition to his role as a civil rights icon who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and launched initiatives like Operation Breadbasket to pressure companies to hire Black workers.

  • Jackson died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Funeral services for Jackson will begin next week, with him lying in repose at the headquarters of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago.

The players

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

A pioneering civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and continued the fight for racial equality and social justice for over 60 years until his death.

Yusef Jackson

Jackson's youngest son, who oversees the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition organization that his father founded.

Santita Jackson

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

Jesse Jackson Jr.

Jackson's eldest son, a former congressman, who said his father's funeral services would welcome all, "Democrat, Republican, liberal and conservative, right wing, left wing."

Jonathan Jackson

One of Jackson's children, who is a U.S. Representative.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

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

— Santita Jackson, Eldest child

“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, former congressman

What’s next

Funeral services for Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. will begin next week, with him lying in repose at the headquarters of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago. Services will follow at a church large enough to accommodate expected crowds.

The takeaway

The outpouring of remembrances for Jesse Jackson underscores his lasting impact as a civil rights pioneer and moral leader. Even as his children grieve the loss of their father, they are committed to carrying on his legacy and ensuring his life's work continues to inspire the fight for justice and equality.