Memorial Services Begin for Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson

Family calls for 'unity' as thousands expected to pay respects in Chicago

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:16pm

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Memorial services for the late civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson began on Thursday in Chicago, where his body lay in repose at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the organization he founded. Jackson's family asked that people from all political backgrounds come to honor his legacy of advancing economic justice and building political power for Black Americans.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a pioneering civil rights leader who dedicated his life to fighting for social, economic, and racial justice. His death marks the passing of an iconic figure who played a key role in the civil rights movement and continued to advocate for progressive causes until the end.

The details

Jackson's family departed the Leaks and Sons Funeral Home on Thursday morning and their procession drove down Cottage Grove Avenue to reach Rainbow PUSH Coalition, where thousands are expected to pay their respects on Thursday and Friday. Jackson, who died on Feb. 17 at the age of 84, experienced health issues over the past several years, including a battle with Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

  • Memorial services for Rev. Jesse Jackson began on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • Jackson's body will lie in honor at the South Carolina State House in Columbia on Monday, March 3, 2026.
  • A formal funeral service will be held for Jackson in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • A public 'The People's Celebration' homegoing service will be held for Jackson in Chicago on Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • A private final homegoing service for Jackson will be held in Chicago on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A pioneering civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and politician who dedicated his life to fighting for social, economic, and racial justice.

Jesse Jackson, Jr.

The son of Rev. Jesse Jackson who called for unity and respect during his father's memorial services.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition

The organization founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1996 to fight for social justice.

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What they’re saying

“Jesse Jackson, Sr. changed the United States — and the world. We are deeply honored to know there are people from every walk of life who want to join us to pay their respects.”

— Jackson family (ktlo.com)

“Do not bring your politics out of respect to Rev. Jesse Jackson and the life that he lived to these home going services. Come respectful and come to say thank you, but these homegoing services are welcome to all Democrat, Republican, liberal and conservative, right wing, left wing, because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American.”

— Jesse Jackson, Jr. (ktlo.com)

“Dad would have wanted us to have a great meeting to discuss our differences, to find ways of moving forward and moving together, and if his life becomes a turning point in our national political discourse, amen.”

— Jesse Jackson, Jr. (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's memorial services in Chicago are a powerful reminder of his lifelong dedication to advancing civil rights, economic justice, and political empowerment for Black Americans. His family's call for unity across political divides underscores Jackson's lasting impact and the continued need to champion the causes he fought for.