Former Presidents to Honor Late Rev. Jesse Jackson at Chicago Memorial Service

Clinton, Obama, Biden and Harris expected to deliver remarks at 'Celebration of Hope' for pioneering civil rights leader

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Three former U.S. presidents - Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden - along with former Vice President Kamala Harris are set to honor the late Reverend Jesse Jackson at a memorial service in Chicago on Friday. The service, titled a 'Celebration of Hope', will be held by Jackson's family to celebrate the life of the pioneering civil rights leader who died on February 17 at the age of 86.

Why it matters

Reverend Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and dedicating his life to fighting for economic and social justice. His memorial service, attended by several former presidents, underscores Jackson's lasting impact and the continued importance of his work.

The details

The public homegoing service will take place at the House of Hope event center in Chicago on Friday. A private service will be held on Saturday. In addition to the former presidents, the service will feature remarks from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts. Singers Jennifer Hudson, Bebe Winans and Marvin Winans are also scheduled to perform.

  • The memorial service will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • A private service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Bill Clinton

Former President of the United States.

Barack Obama

Former President of the United States.

Joe Biden

Former President of the United States.

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President of the United States.

Reverend Jesse Jackson

American religious and civil rights leader who dedicated his life to advancing economic and 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 (wsjm.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., Son of Reverend Jesse Jackson (wsjm.com)

What’s next

The memorial service on Friday is expected to be a major event honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson's legacy, with several former presidents and other dignitaries in attendance. After the public service, a private service will be held on Saturday.

The takeaway

Reverend Jesse Jackson's memorial service, attended by former presidents and other prominent figures, underscores his lasting impact as a pioneering civil rights leader who dedicated his life to fighting for economic and social justice for all Americans.