Renowned civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson has passed away at the age of 84, following a battle with a rare neurodegenerative disorder. The news of his death was confirmed on Tuesday.
In honor of his legacy, Jackson’s family and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition have announced a series of memorial services. These gatherings will take place in Chicago, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C., each location holding special significance in Jackson’s life and work.
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Jacqueline Jackson, who was Jesse’s wife for over six decades, is at the helm of organizing these commemorative events.
A statement from the family, released on Thursday, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Jackson in both South Carolina and Washington, D.C. These locations were of great importance to him. The statement mentioned, “These viewings will be followed by official services in his beloved home, the city of Chicago on March 6 and 7.”
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.
Sunday, March 1 through Thursday, March 5
Travel to and from South Carolina and Washington, D.C.
Further details to be announced.
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
Since news of his passing, the nation is remembering Jesse Jackson as a history maker whose tireless commitment to justice for all knew no bounds.
The civil rights icon advocated not just for people of color, but all who were marginalized, notably negotiating the release of three U.S. soldiers from Yugoslavia.
Before leading the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he launched Operation Breadbasket in 1966 to address hunger in the basement of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Fuller Park to pressure companies to hire Black people. He took his charge from Dr. Martin Luther King.
Whether he was confronting racism or social injustice in the streets or boardrooms or creating political equity for people of color, Jesse Jackson was a force to reckoned with.
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