Barack Obama honors Jesse Jackson's 'legacy of hope' at a time when it's 'hard to hope'

Former presidents and other leaders pay tribute to the pioneering civil rights leader and politician at a celebration of his life in Chicago.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Former President Barack Obama reflected on the late Rev. Jesse Jackson's "legacy of hope" on Friday, telling thousands who gathered to celebrate the late civil rights leader's life in Chicago that "we are living in a time when it can be hard to hope." Obama joined former Presidents Joe Biden and Bill Clinton, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, in delivering remarks at the House of Hope in Chicago to honor Jackson, who died on Feb. 17 at the age of 86.

Why it matters

Jackson was a pioneering civil rights leader, politician and minister who dedicated his life to advancing economic justice and building political power for Black Americans. His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 paved the way for future Black candidates and his Rainbow PUSH Coalition organization continued his work for decades.

The details

During the service, Obama characterized Jackson as a "messenger" of God, who repeatedly said, "send me," as he faced and fought injustices throughout his life. Harris credited Jackson with forming the "rainbow coalition," which became a defining force for the Democratic Party, while Bill Clinton said Jackson "made me a better president" by always pushing for change. Jackson's son Yusef, who leads the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said his father's legacy will continue in the organization's work.

  • The public "Celebration of Life" service was held on Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • Jackson died on February 17, 2026 at the age of 86.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States who delivered remarks honoring Jesse Jackson's legacy.

Jesse Jackson

A pioneering civil rights leader, politician and minister who dedicated his life to advancing economic justice and building political power for Black Americans.

Joe Biden

The 46th President of the United States who delivered remarks at the service honoring Jesse Jackson.

Bill Clinton

The 42nd President of the United States who delivered remarks at the service honoring Jesse Jackson.

Kamala Harris

The 49th Vice President of the United States who delivered remarks at the service honoring Jesse Jackson.

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What they’re saying

“We are living in a time when it can be hard to hope. Each day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions, another setback to the idea of the rule of law, an offense to common decency. Every day you wake up to things you just didn't think you think were possible.”

— Barack Obama, Former President (wadk.com)

“Jackson reminded us that the many fights for freedom are interconnected. As he once said, when a barrier falls for one of the locked out, it opens the doors for all, and that is what he told me, and what he taught me, and how he inspired me.”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President (wadk.com)

“We did not always agree, but I'll tell you one thing, he made me a better president, because he was always pushing on things, and he knew that change came from the outside in, and sometimes from the inside out, so he knew how to keep pushing and nagging and wearing you up.”

— Bill Clinton, Former President (wadk.com)

What’s next

Jackson will be laid to rest in a private service on Saturday morning in Chicago following the public celebration of his life on Friday.

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's legacy as a pioneering civil rights leader, politician and minister who dedicated his life to advancing economic justice and building political power for Black Americans will continue to inspire new generations of leaders and activists to fight for a more just and equitable society.