Celebration of Life for Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson to Draw Prominent Figures

Former presidents, Grammy-winning artists, and clergy expected to attend memorial service in Chicago

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A celebration of life for the late civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is expected to draw a high-profile crowd in Chicago on Friday, including former U.S. presidents, Grammy-winning artists, clergy, and elected officials. The event at an influential Black church with a 10,000-seat arena follows memorial services that drew large crowds in Chicago and South Carolina, where Jackson was born.

Why it matters

Jackson was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and a two-time presidential candidate. His life and work spanned a wide range of issues, from advocating for the poor and underrepresented to pressuring corporations to promote equity. The large-scale memorial service reflects the lasting impact of his legacy.

The details

The Chicago celebration will feature former Democratic presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Bill Clinton, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris. The musical lineup includes gospel singer BeBe Winans. Jackson's son, Jesse Jackson Jr., said the event would be "welcome to all" to discuss differences and find ways to move forward together.

  • The celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • Jackson died last month at the age of 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

A prominent civil rights leader, two-time presidential candidate, and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Barack Obama

Former Democratic President of the United States.

Joe Biden

Former Democratic President of the United States.

Bill Clinton

Former Democratic President of the United States.

Kamala Harris

Former Democratic Vice President of the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These homegoing services are welcome to all. Democrat, Republican, liberal, 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., Son of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. (ksgf.com)

“He has been the central mentor of my life. The challenge for us that we've got to make sure that all he lived for was not in vain.”

— Rev. Al Sharpton (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Details on a future memorial event in Washington, D.C. have not been made public after a request to have Jackson lie in honor at the United States Capitol rotunda was denied.

The takeaway

The large-scale memorial service for Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. in Chicago reflects the lasting impact of his decades-long civil rights work and his status as a towering figure in American politics and society.