Celebration of Life Services Announced for Rev. Jesse Jackson

The civil rights leader and political trailblazer passed away at 84 after a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Celebration of life events for the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Chicago-based civil rights leader and political trailblazer who died at 84, will run from February 25-28 and include public viewings, a People's Celebration, and homegoing services. Jackson's children gathered on Wednesday to honor his legacy and thank the public for the tributes.

Why it matters

As a prominent civil rights leader and political figure, Rev. Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era. His lifelong advocacy for equality and social justice had a profound impact, and the public memorial services will allow his community and admirers to come together and celebrate his remarkable life and legacy.

The details

Rev. Jesse Jackson died on Tuesday morning at his home in Chicago, surrounded by family. He had been battling progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurodegenerative disorder, for over a decade after initially being treated for Parkinson's syndrome. The schedule for Jackson's celebration of life services was announced on Wednesday and will include public viewings at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, a People's Celebration at the House of Hope, and homegoing services back at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Celebration of life services will be held from February 25-28, 2026.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader, political trailblazer, and lifelong advocate for equality who passed away at the age of 84 after battling progressive supranuclear palsy.

Santita, Jonathan, Jesse, Yusef and Ashley Jackson

The children of Rev. Jesse Jackson who gathered on Wednesday to honor their father's legacy and thank the public for the tributes.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition

The Chicago-based civil rights organization founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson, which will host public viewings and homegoing services.

House of Hope

The Chicago church that will host the People's Celebration for Rev. Jesse Jackson.

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What’s next

The family has announced the full schedule of celebration of life services, which will allow the public to pay their respects and honor Rev. Jesse Jackson's remarkable life and legacy.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era for the civil rights movement and American politics. His lifelong advocacy for equality, social justice, and political empowerment left an indelible mark, and the upcoming memorial services will provide an opportunity for his community and admirers to come together and celebrate his remarkable life and enduring impact.