Leaders Gather for Jesse Jackson's Memorial Service in Chicago

Thousands expected to attend public event honoring civil rights icon's life and legacy.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A large-scale public memorial service for the late civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson is set to take place on Friday in Chicago. The event will feature speeches and performances by a number of prominent figures, including former U.S. presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Bill Clinton, as well as other political leaders, clergy members, and entertainers. The service caps two weeks of memorials for Jackson, who died last month at the age of 84.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, known for his advocacy of racial equality and economic opportunity. His memorial service is expected to draw thousands of mourners and serve as a celebration of his life's work and lasting impact on the fight for social justice.

The details

The public memorial service will be held at the House of Hope arena in Chicago's Pullman neighborhood, which seats 10,000 people. In addition to the former presidents, the event will feature remarks from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, among others. Musical performances will be provided by Jennifer Hudson, Bebe Winans, and Rev. Marvin Winans. Jackson's body has been lying in repose at the headquarters of his Rainbow PUSH Coalition organization in Chicago and in his native South Carolina over the past week.

  • Jackson's body lay in repose for two days last week at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago.
  • On Monday, Jackson's body arrived at the South Carolina statehouse on a horse-drawn caisson.
  • The public memorial service is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader who was a towering figure in the fight for racial equality and economic opportunity. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a social justice advocacy organization.

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who is expected to speak at Jackson's memorial service.

Joe Biden

The 46th President of the United States, who is expected to speak at Jackson's memorial service.

Bill Clinton

The 42nd President of the United States, who is expected to speak at Jackson's memorial service.

Brandon Johnson

The Mayor of Chicago, who has called Jackson a beloved mentor and is expected to speak at the memorial service.

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What they’re saying

“Jesse Jackson was a beloved mentor, and his life's work has left an indelible mark on our city and our nation.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

What’s next

A smaller, invitation-only service for Jackson's family and close associates is scheduled for Saturday at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago.

The takeaway

The memorial service for Jesse Jackson is a testament to his enduring legacy as a civil rights icon and social justice advocate. His life's work in fighting for racial equality and economic opportunity has left a lasting impact, and the gathering of political leaders, clergy, and entertainers underscores Jackson's profound influence on the ongoing struggle for social justice.