Funeral Held for Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson in Chicago

Former presidents and political leaders gather to honor the life and legacy of the late civil rights leader.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The funeral for the late civil rights leader Jesse Jackson is being held in Chicago on Friday afternoon. Jackson, 84, died earlier this month after battling the neurodegenerative disorder progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The political sphere, including President Trump and former Vice President Harris, mourned the loss of Jackson with an outpouring of support for his legacy as a civil rights activist and Democratic strategist. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden are expected to attend the event.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and advocating for racial justice, economic equality, and progressive causes for decades. His passing marks the end of an era, and the funeral is an opportunity for political and civil rights leaders to come together to honor his life and legacy.

The details

The funeral for Jesse Jackson is being held at a church in Chicago, where he was a prominent pastor and community leader. The event is expected to feature eulogies and tributes from a range of political and civil rights figures who were influenced by Jackson's work. The funeral comes just weeks after Jackson's death at the age of 84 following a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder.

  • The funeral is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM EST on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • Jesse Jackson passed away earlier this month on March 1, 2026.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and two-time Democratic presidential candidate who was a key figure in the American civil rights movement from the 1960s through the 2000s.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who expressed condolences for Jesse Jackson's passing.

Kamala Harris

The 49th Vice President of the United States, who also mourned the loss of Jesse Jackson.

Bill Clinton

The 42nd President of the United States, who is expected to attend Jesse Jackson's funeral.

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who is also expected to attend Jesse Jackson's funeral.

Joe Biden

The 46th President of the United States, who is expected to attend Jesse Jackson's funeral.

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What they’re saying

“Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (Twitter)

“Jesse Jackson was a champion for justice and equality, and his work transformed the lives of millions. He will be deeply missed.”

— Kamala Harris, Vice President (Facebook)

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's funeral is a solemn occasion to reflect on his immense contributions to the civil rights movement and his lasting impact on American politics and society. The gathering of former presidents and other leaders underscores the profound influence Jackson had on the country's moral and political landscape.