Thousands Gather in Chicago to Celebrate Life and Legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. (Chicago, IL) – More than 10,000 people gathered in Chicago over the weekend to celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., with current and former presidents, international leaders, clergy, entertainers, and community members honoring his decades of work for social justice.
The Celebration of Life services drew attendees from across the United States and around the world to commemorate Jackson, the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and a longtime advocate for civil rights, economic equality, and global human rights.
Among the prominent figures attending Friday’s service were former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joseph Biden; former Vice President Kamala Harris; former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden; and Colombian President Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego.
The service featured a series of musical tributes from renowned performers including Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, Opal Staples, and Le’Andria Johnson.
Several national and local leaders delivered remarks honoring Jackson’s influence and leadership. Speakers included Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network; Judge Greg Mathis; Loop Capital Chairman and CEO James Reynolds; and Rev. Dr. Michael Pfleger. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, and Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts also spoke during the ceremony.
Additional reflections were shared by NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, Rabbi Sharon Brous, and other community figures.
The homegoing service was officiated by Dr. Charles Jenkins and Rev. James T. Meeks.
Events continued Saturday at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, where international dignitaries and civic leaders addressed a packed audience. Speakers included South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
Other speakers included Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson, national director for PUSH Excel; Rev. Reginald Wayne Sharpe, pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church; Ariel Investments CEO John Rogers; National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial; and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
Actor and comedian Chris Tucker and Rev. Donald Parson also delivered remarks, along with members of the Jackson family. Those participating included Yusef Jackson, president and CEO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition; U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson; Dr. Jackie Jackson; Ashley Jackson; and former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
Musical tributes during Saturday’s program included performances by Wintley Phipps, Terisa Griffin, Stevie Wonder, the PUSH Choir, Santita Jackson, and Kim Burrell. Music supervision was provided by Fred Nelson, with Pastor Darius Brooks directing the choir.
The weekend events highlighted Jackson’s decades-long role as a civil rights leader and global advocate, with speakers emphasizing the lasting impact of his work on generations of activists and leaders.
Thousands Gather in Chicago to Celebrate Life and Legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
