Rev. Jesse Jackson's Homegoing Celebrated in Chicago

Thousands gather to honor the life and legacy of the civil rights leader

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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On Saturday, a final 'homegoing' service represented the culmination of nine days of funerals and celebrations for Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died last month at age 84. The packed chapel at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Chicago saw Gospel music, powerful eulogies, and stories about Jackson's decades-long fight for equality and justice. Speakers including his children, Stevie Wonder, and political leaders paid tribute to Jackson's unwavering commitment to civil rights and his ability to inspire people of all backgrounds.

Why it matters

As one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the 20th century, Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era. His life's work, from the Selma marches to his two presidential campaigns, left an indelible mark on the fight for racial justice in America. The massive outpouring of mourners and tributes underscores Jackson's lasting impact and the void his death leaves in the ongoing struggle for equality.

The details

The final service for Jackson featured Gospel music, emotional eulogies, and personal stories from his family and closest allies. His son Jonathan Jackson delivered a rousing speech honoring his father's legacy, while others like former President Barack Obama and Stevie Wonder paid tribute to Jackson's ability to unite people of all backgrounds around the cause of civil rights. The service was held at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the organization Jackson founded in 1971 to continue his advocacy work.

  • Jackson died on February 17, 2026 at the age of 84.
  • His public visitation began on February 26, 2026 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago.
  • A service was held on March 7, 2026 at the House of Hope Baptist Church in Chicago, attended by former presidents and other dignitaries.
  • The final 'homegoing' service took place on March 11, 2026 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Chicago.
  • Jackson's procession passed by the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a minister in 1968, on its way to his final resting place at Oakwood Cemetery.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader who rose from humble beginnings in the segregated South to become a national figure, founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and twice running for president.

Jonathan Jackson

Rev. Jackson's second-oldest son, a Democratic Congressman representing Illinois' 1st District.

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who credited Jackson's work with inspiring his own political rise as a community organizer on Chicago's South Side.

Stevie Wonder

The legendary singer-songwriter who performed at Rev. Jackson's funeral service.

Cyril Ramaphosa

The President of South Africa, who attended the funeral to honor Rev. Jackson's role in the anti-apartheid movement.

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What they’re saying

“My father honored the words of the Declaration of Independence more than the men who signed it. Jesse Jackson honored the ideals of the Constitution of America more than any of the 25 slave holders that signed and ratified it in their hypocrisy.”

— Jonathan Jackson, Congressman, Illinois' 1st District

“Jesse didn't just speak to Black folks. He spoke to white folks and Latinos and Asian Americans and the first Americans. He spoke to family farmers and environmentalists. He spoke to gay rights activists when nobody was talking to gay rights activists, and blue collar workers, and he gave them the same message — that they mattered.”

— Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States

“Each day, we're told by those in high office to fear each other and to turn on each other, and that some Americans count more than others, and that some don't even count at all. And everywhere we see greed and bigotry being celebrated and bullying and mockery masquerading as strength. We see science and expertise denigrated while ignorance and dishonesty and cruelty and corruption are reaping untold rewards every single day.”

— Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States

What’s next

Jackson's family has announced plans for a memorial service in Washington, D.C. in the coming weeks to honor his life and legacy on the national stage.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's homegoing service in Chicago was a powerful celebration of a life dedicated to the fight for civil rights and social justice. His ability to inspire people of all backgrounds to believe in the promise of America's founding ideals, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to his lasting impact on the ongoing struggle for equality.