South Suburban Residents Reflect on Rev. Jesse Jackson's Legacy

Memories of the civil rights leader's personal impact and advocacy shared by local officials and volunteers.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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As the Rev. Jesse Jackson is laid to rest, south suburban officials and volunteers share their personal experiences and reflections on the civil rights leader's legacy. From comforting a grieving family to inspiring students and advocating for economic equality, Jackson's impact is remembered through the stories of those he touched in the local community.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement who dedicated his life to fighting for justice, equality, and opportunity. His work and influence extended far beyond the national stage, as he personally engaged with and uplifted communities across the country, including the south suburbs of Chicago. These firsthand accounts provide a glimpse into Jackson's lasting impact on the lives of everyday people.

The details

The article features reflections from several south suburban residents who crossed paths with Rev. Jesse Jackson over the years. Joi Patterson of Governors State University recounts how Jackson comforted her colleague Garrard McClendon after the murder of his parents. Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan and his wife Lori Carlton-Jordan hosted Jackson at their home, where he would provide advice and support local causes. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly recalls Jackson unexpectedly showing up to support her first campaign for state representative, and being there for her again after the loss of her husband. Nuclear engineer Aubrey Jackson, not related to the reverend, credits him with paving the way for Barack Obama's presidency through his own historic run. The author, journalist Francine Knowles, also shares how Jackson's advocacy for media diversity opened doors for her own career.

  • In the days after McClendon's parents were killed, Jackson came to comfort and counsel him.
  • About five years ago, Jackson was observed serving Thanksgiving meals to senior citizens at Rainbow PUSH Coalition's headquarters.

The players

Joi Patterson

Chief of institutional engagement and excellence at Governors State University.

Garrard McClendon

Chicago State University professor and former CLTV host whose parents were murdered.

Calvin Jordan

Rich Township Supervisor.

Lori Carlton-Jordan

Human results consultant and co-owner of Property Care Management with her husband Calvin Jordan.

Robin Kelly

U.S. Representative.

Aubrey Jackson

Flossmoor resident and nuclear engineer.

Francine Knowles

Columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

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What they’re saying

“He really embodied the things that he said. I saw him as someone who never separated justice from humanity. He listened very deeply and spoke boldly. He would give you reminders of what you were here for and be very intentional about it.”

— Joi Patterson, Chief of institutional engagement and excellence at Governors State University (Chicago Tribune)

“His legacy to me has been his way of teaching, teaching us not only about faith but how we can stand up for ourselves and be a part of what we want to be. He leaves behind more than a legacy. He leaves behind a responsibility for us to keep pushing, keep organizing and keep believing that justice is worth the fight.”

— Lori Carlton-Jordan, Human results consultant and co-owner of Property Care Management (Chicago Tribune)

“Among his greatest contributions was helping people understand that it doesn't matter what people call you, you are somebody. You can aspire to be whatever you want to be.”

— Aubrey Jackson, Nuclear engineer (Chicago Tribune)

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy extends far beyond the national stage, as he personally engaged with and uplifted communities across the country, including the south suburbs of Chicago. Through these firsthand accounts, we see how Jackson's commitment to justice, equality, and empowerment touched the lives of everyday people, inspiring them to continue his work of fighting for a more just and equitable society.