CHICAGO — Emotional tributes began pouring in for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. as memorial services commenced in Chicago, marking the start of a series of commemorations across the nation. The revered civil rights leader, who spent much of his life in the Windy City, is being honored for his indelible impact on American society.
Rev. Jackson, a close disciple of the legendary Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a prominent figure in two presidential races, is set to lie in repose for two days at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters. This venue, significant to his lifelong work, will host mourners before ceremonies continue in Washington, D.C., and in South Carolina, his birthplace.
The scene at the Rainbow PUSH building was somber yet celebratory. As Jackson’s casket was respectfully carried into the historic brick structure, family members, visibly moved, wiped away tears. Outside, flowers adorned the pathways and a large screen displayed clips of Jackson’s powerful speeches, reminding attendees of his profound legacy.
“The outpouring of love and support received from around the globe has been abundant and deeply felt,” Jackson’s family expressed in a heartfelt statement, highlighting the global reach of his influence.
Rev. Jackson passed away last week at the age of 84, following a struggle with a rare neurological disorder that had compromised his mobility and speech in his final years. Despite his health challenges, his spirit and message continued to resonate with many.
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As people gathered in lines outside the Rainbow PUSH headquarters, their shared admiration for Rev. Jesse Jackson’s contributions was palpable, a testament to the enduring impact of his tireless fight for justice and equality.
‘Whenever there’s a need for my community in particular, he’s there,” Beverly Singleton said. “He’s the one who is bold enough to step up.”
“I feel a mandate to keep hope alive and to remind younger children even older folks we are somebody,” said Leah Burgess with Howard University, School of Divinity.
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‘No matter the race, the color, he was just there for people,” Rosalyn McRay-Lester said.
Some honored his efforts for working people like Lisa Rock, who recalled Jackson fighting for fair wages in Ohio.
“He was a big presence in my home, and everyone in my town would say that,” Rock said.
“I know my father is smiling in heaven right now, beachside,” son Yusef Jackson said. “He loved talking about his work. It’s helped heal us and stay strong.”
Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, was among the ministers to offer prayers Thursday.
“We need to stand together in these moments to let people know that we are one and what human solidarity is all about,” Cupich said.
A number of dignitaries also stopped by PUSH headquarters Thursday to pay their respects, including Rev. Al Sharpton, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and a number of other elected officials.
Rev. Jackson Sr.’s impact was widespread, his work touching the lives of many and inspiring countless elected leaders through the years. They came to pay tribute to Rev. Jackson as they called for people to honor his legacy, by continuing his work.
In a testimony to Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., well over a thousand people stood in line for hours for the opportunity to honor his six decades of work on civil rights, increasing voter access, lifting up the forgotten.
Mayor Johnson joined Rev. Sharpton and other dignitaries who met with members of the Jackson family before the doors to PUSH Headquarters opened to the general public. ABC7 spoke one-on-one with Mayor Johnson about his reflections on the day.
“Well, first of all, we are grieving and mourning the loss of an incredible human being,” Johnson said. “Our prayers are with Mrs. Jackson, their children and grandchildren. But yet, we’re celebrating we’re celebrating a true humanitarian.”
“I became Reverend Jackson’s youth director when I was 13 for the New York chapel, we spent a lifetime together,” Rev. Sharpton said. “I’ve seen him stand up against adversity. I’ve seen him bring history.”
While Jackson lay in repose inside PUSH Headquarters, video screens replayed clips from some famous speeches the civil rights icon gave through the years.
“You know, when I was a little boy, he told me I was somebody,” Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry said. “I grew older, he told me to keep hope alive. For the last seven years, as I’ve served as commissioner, we got to partner on structural racism, disinvestment, but also voter registration.”
Jackson’s two presidential campaigns, in 1984 and 1988, led to a surge in voter registration and people from all walks of life joined his Rainbow Coalition.
“It’s beautiful to see so many people walking through this service, people of all different colors, all different types of folks, right?” Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said. “And, I think that it’s a testament to how many lives he touched.”
Leaders say one important way people can honor Jackson’s legacy is keep alive the hope he championed.
“As we battle in this moment for our humanity, it’s imperative that we don’t just honor him on this day, but that we live out the hope that he fought for, and whether that’s in government and politics or whether that’s in the corporations and everybody gets to play a part,” Johnson said.
Other well-know leaders attended the first day of honoring Rev. Jackson included former Congressman Bobby Rush, Cardinal Blase Cupich, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Chicago Ald. Brendan Reilly.
The full schedule of services is as follows:
Thursday, Feb. 26
Lying in State at Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Location: 930 E. 50th St., Chicago, IL 60615
Doors open: 10 a.m.
Friday, Feb. 27
Lying in State at Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Location: 930 E. 50th St., Chicago, IL 60615
Doors open: 10 a.m.
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management announced street closures ahead of Thursday and Friday’s visitation.
Street closures begin at 5:30 a.m. until 11:15 p.m. and affect north and southbound Lanes of South Drexel Boulevard between East Hyde Park Boulevard (51st Street) and East 49th Street.
East 50th Street between South Drexel Avenue and South Ellis Avenue will also be closed
Entry, Lines and Security
Main entry and rideshare drop-off: East 49th Street and South Drexel and East Hyde Park and South Drexel
Accessible drop-off at East 50th Street and South Ellis Avenue
Line forms along South Drexel
Attendees will go through magnetometer screening before entering.
Sunday, March 1 through Thursday, March 5
Travel to and from South Carolina and Washington, D.C.
Monday, March 2
Lying in Repose at South Carolina State Capitol – Rotunda
Location: 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, South Carolina
10 a.m. EST – Private Service of Remembrance
Reserved for family members, clergy, and invited guests
10:30 a.m. EST – Public Service
The public service will include:
Reflections from local state and federal leaders
Musical selections by Allen University and/or Benedict College Choir
Wreath placement ceremony
6 p.m. EST – Church Service at Brookland Baptist Church
1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, South Carolina
Friday, March 6
The People’s Celebration at House of Hope
Location: 752 E. 114th St., Chicago, IL 60628
Doors open: 9 a.m.
Service: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 7
Private Homegoing Celebration at Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Location: 930 E. 50th St., Chicago, IL 60615
Doors open: 8 a.m.
Service: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Limited capacity
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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