Preparations Underway for Rev. Jesse Jackson's Funeral in Chicago

Thousands expected to attend public celebration of life at House of Hope on Friday

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Final preparations are underway for the public celebration of life for the late civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope on Chicago's Far South Side. Organizers are expecting thousands of people, including former presidents and other dignitaries, to attend the memorial service on Friday morning. A private homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday at Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement and a prominent political and social justice leader. His passing marks the end of an era, and the public memorial service is an opportunity for the community to come together and honor his legacy of advocacy and service.

The details

Inside the House of Hope on Thursday, teams of florists were working on flower arrangements, crews were cleaning the floors and windows, and large banners featuring photos of Jackson were set up in the lobby. The arena has a capacity of 10,000 people, and officials have said that former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton will be in attendance, along with dozens of other elected officials and religious leaders. The memorial service will also include performances from entertainers like Jennifer Hudson.

  • The public celebration of life for Rev. Jesse Jackson will be held on Friday, March 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the House of Hope in Chicago.
  • Doors will open at 9 a.m. on Friday for the memorial service.
  • A private homegoing celebration for Rev. Jackson will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2026 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Kenwood, Chicago.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader, political activist, and Baptist minister who played a key role in the American civil rights movement.

Joe Biden

The 46th President of the United States, who will be attending the memorial service for Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who will be attending the memorial service for Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Bill Clinton

The 42nd President of the United States, who will be attending the memorial service for Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Merry Green

The owner of MGPG Events, who is in charge of hospitality for Rev. Jesse Jackson's celebration of life.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, he wanted to find out how's it going. That's the first question he would ask. 'How's your events going? How's this going? How's that going? How's your family?' He always cared more than about himself, and I think that's what most people know about him and feel about him.”

— Merry Green, Owner, MGPG Events (CBS News Chicago)

What’s next

The public memorial service for Rev. Jesse Jackson will be held on Friday, March 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the House of Hope in Chicago. A private homegoing celebration will follow on Saturday, March 8, 2026 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Kenwood, Chicago.

The takeaway

The passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson marks the end of an era for the civil rights movement, and the public memorial service is an opportunity for the community to come together and honor his legacy of advocacy and service. The event is expected to draw thousands of attendees, including former presidents and other dignitaries, underscoring the profound impact that Rev. Jackson had on the nation.