Rev. Al Sharpton to Host Tribute Service for Rev. Jesse Jackson

Event will honor the life and legacy of the civil rights leader at a historic Harlem church.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), will host a special tribute to the Rev. Jesse Jackson during his Saturday Action Rally on Feb. 21. The event, honoring Jackson's life and legacy, will be held at Mother AME Zion Church in Harlem and feature a high-profile delegation of elected officials.

Why it matters

The tribute marks an important moment in the long-standing relationship between Sharpton and Jackson, who have been at the forefront of the nation's civil rights movement for decades. The event's location at Mother AME Zion Church also holds historical significance, as it was the site of Jackson's final public speech.

The details

Sharpton and Jackson have worked together for years, with Jackson appointing the young Sharpton as youth director of Operation Breadbasket in Brooklyn when he was a teenager. The two men have organized on the front lines of many of the nation's most defining moments for racial justice.

  • The tribute service will be held on February 21, 2026.
  • Jackson delivered his final public speech at Mother AME Zion Church.

The players

Rev. Al Sharpton

Founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN).

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Renowned civil rights leader who worked alongside Sharpton for decades.

Mayor Zoharan Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who is scheduled to attend the tribute service.

Jumaane Williams

The Public Advocate of New York City who is scheduled to attend the tribute service.

Letitia James

The Attorney General of New York State who is scheduled to attend the tribute service.

Chuck Schumer

The U.S. Senator from New York who is scheduled to attend the tribute service.

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The takeaway

This tribute service represents the enduring legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson and the continued partnership between two of the nation's most prominent civil rights leaders, Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson, who have worked tirelessly to advance the cause of racial justice.