Illinois Secretary of State Pays Respects to Jackson Family

Thousands gather to honor civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson at public visitation

Feb. 27, 2026 at 8:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Thousands of people, including Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, paid their respects to Reverend Jesse Jackson during a two-day public visitation at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters in Chicago. Jackson, a renowned civil rights leader, is being remembered as a humanitarian who worked to improve the lives of all people, not just Black Americans.

Why it matters

Reverend Jesse Jackson was one of the last remaining titans of the civil rights movement, known for his work in promoting equality, economic justice, and human rights. His passing marks the end of an era, and the public visitation allows the community to come together to honor his legacy and commitment to social change.

The details

The public visitation took place over two days at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters in Chicago, where Jackson's body lay in repose. Thousands of people, including everyday citizens and dignitaries, waited in long lines to pay their respects. Mourners spoke of Jackson's impact, describing him as a champion for the "least, the left out, the wounded" and someone who focused on promoting business, housing, and other issues that affected all people, not just those who looked like him.

  • The public visitation took place on February 27-28, 2026.
  • Reverend Jesse Jackson passed away in late February 2026.

The players

Alexi Giannoulias

The Illinois Secretary of State who paid his respects at Reverend Jesse Jackson's visitation.

Reverend Jesse Jackson

A renowned civil rights leader and humanitarian who worked to improve the lives of all people, not just Black Americans.

Nevens Woods

An 80-year-old Chicago native who said Reverend Jackson taught him a lot growing up and felt compelled to pay his respects.

Becky Wright

A Chicago resident who arrived early to be first in line to pay her respects to Reverend Jackson.

Larenz Smith

A mourner who came with his mother to honor Reverend Jackson's legacy of promoting humanity, respect, and kindness.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a historical moment. This is a man who did so much for so many people.”

— Becky Wright (abc7chicago.com)

“It's wrong how some people treat us during the times, but I don't hold that against them. I do forgive as Christ forgives us, so it's just as far as continuing to move with humanity with respect, gentleness, kindness, and the fruit to the spirit.”

— Larenz Smith (abc7chicago.com)

“He always focused on the least, the left out, the wounded, those who were typecast. Those who were kicked aside. Those were where he focused first...and today is a day to remind me coming back into this headquarters. What's the work ethic? where am I at with that commitment and when the sun rises and when the sun sets what have I done to help those in need.”

— Alderman William Hall (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Reverend Jesse Jackson's funeral and celebration of life is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Reverend Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era for the civil rights movement, but his legacy of fighting for equality, economic justice, and human rights for all people will continue to inspire generations to come. The outpouring of grief and admiration at his public visitation demonstrates the profound impact he had on the lives of countless individuals.