Hundreds Gather to Honor Prominent Omega Psi Phi Member

Fraternity brothers remember Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy of service and leadership.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Hundreds of people gathered at the First Baptist Church of Chicago in Kenwood to honor one of the most prominent members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Rev. Jesse Jackson. Jackson was initiated into the fraternity in 1960 and later served as the second vice grand basileus. Fraternity members spoke about Jackson's inspiring leadership, commitment to the organization's principles, and his impact on the community.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a pioneering civil rights leader and a revered member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. His passing marks the end of an era, and the fraternity's celebration of his life and legacy underscores the important role the organization has played in developing Black leaders and community advocates.

The details

Hundreds of Omega Psi Phi fraternity members and supporters came together to remember Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was initiated into the organization in 1960 and later served as the second vice grand basileus. Fraternity members spoke about Jackson's inspiring leadership, his commitment to the group's principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift, and his tireless work to give back to the community. The group then processed to Rainbow PUSH, the organization Jackson founded, to continue honoring his legacy.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson was initiated into Omega Psi Phi in the spring of 1960.
  • Two years after his initiation, Jackson was elected second vice grand basileus for the organization.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A pioneering civil rights leader and prominent member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Omega Psi Phi

An African-American fraternity founded in 1911 that has played a key role in developing Black leaders and community advocates.

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What they’re saying

“He embodies our cardinal principals: manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift, and he used that uplift to give back to the community. He lived it every day.”

— Marquis Sagnia, Omega Psi Phi member (abc7chicago.com)

“And, he really set a standard for all the brothers that came in after him because you know you needed to carry yourself a certain way if you're going to be in the same fraternity as Reverend Jackson.”

— Sherman "Dilla" Thomas, Chicago historian and Omega Psi Phi member (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Omega Psi Phi brothers say they will continue to honor Jackson's legacy during his home-going celebrations this weekend, as Jackson enters the fraternity's Omega Chapter - a symbolic chapter in the organization for members who have died.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a pioneering civil rights leader and revered member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity will live on. The fraternity's celebration of his life underscores the important role it has played in developing Black leaders and community advocates who embody the organization's principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift.