Former presidents gather in Chicago for Jesse Jackson celebration of life

Three former U.S. presidents, Grammy-winning artists, clergy and elected officials are expected to attend a Chicago celebration of life for the late civil rights leader.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A large celebration of life for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is planned for Friday in Chicago, with former U.S. presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Bill Clinton, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris, expected to attend. The event at an influential Black church with a 10,000-seat arena is anticipated to be the largest memorial service for Jackson, who was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time presidential candidate. The musical lineup includes gospel singer BeBe Winans.

Why it matters

Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues including voting rights, health care, job opportunities and education. His life and work spanned from the Jim Crow South through the turbulent 1960s and into the modern Black Lives Matter era, making him a constant, unyielding voice for justice.

The details

Jesse Jackson's life was defined by his relentless fight for justice and equality. He began working for Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965 and was with King in Memphis in April 1968 when he was assassinated. After King's death, Jackson formed Operation PUSH, pressuring businesses to open up to Black workers and customers. Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988, finishing third and second respectively in the Democratic primaries. In his later years, Jackson continued to be active, getting arrested in Washington while demonstrating for voting rights and attending the trial of Ahmaud Arbery's killers.

  • Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina in the era of rampant racial segregation.
  • In 1965, Jackson began working for Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • King and other civil rights leaders were in Memphis in April 1968 when King was assassinated.
  • Jackson formed Operation PUSH in the years after King's death.
  • Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988.

The players

Jesse Jackson Sr.

A civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate who was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. and continued to be an active advocate for justice until his death at age 84.

Martin Luther King Jr.

The renowned civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968, with whom Jackson worked closely in the 1960s.

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who is expected to attend the celebration of life for Jackson.

Joe Biden

The 46th President of the United States, who is expected to attend the celebration of life for Jackson.

Bill Clinton

The 42nd President of the United States, who is expected to attend the celebration of life for Jackson.

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What they’re saying

“These homegoing services are welcome to all. Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, right wing, left wing because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American.”

— Jesse Jackson Jr., Son of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. (kcra.com)

“He has been the central mentor of my life. The challenge for us that we've got to make sure that all he lived for was not in vain.”

— Al Sharpton, Civil rights activist (kcra.com)

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's life and work spanned decades, from the Jim Crow South through the civil rights movement of the 1960s and into the modern era of Black activism. His tireless advocacy for the poor, underrepresented and marginalized made him a towering figure who left an indelible mark on the fight for justice and equality in America.