*At Chicago historic memorial
Three former presidents, a former vice president, and some of the most powerful voices in American history gathered in Chicago on Friday to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., the towering civil rights icon who passed away on February 17 at the age of 84.
Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, along with former Vice President Kamala Harris, all delivered remarks at the “Celebration of Hope” memorial service, held at the House of Hope event center. Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and former First Lady Jill Biden were also in attendance, a testament to the profound and lasting impact Jackson had on the nation.
The Jackson family released a powerful statement ahead of the service, reminding the world of the breadth of Jesse Jackson’s life’s work.
“Jesse Jackson, Sr., marched beside Martin Luther King, Jr. for civil rights for all people. He traveled the world fighting economic and gender inequity. Until his last days, he fought for better healthcare, education, and peace in Chicago, Illinois, the United States, and beyond.” The family urged all who attended to carry his cause forward, calling it the greatest tribute they could offer.
The memorial drew an extraordinary gathering of speakers and performers.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Rep. Maxine Waters, and Chicago Cubs owner, Tom Ricketts, all took the stage.
Jennifer Hudson, gospel legends BeBe and Marvin Winans brought the spirit of the movement to life through music, with Stevie Wonder set to perform at a private service today.
Thousands had already lined up in the days before to pay their respects as Jackson lay in honour at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, and he was further honoured in his birth State of South Carolina, where he lay in State at the statehouse in Columbia.
The assembled crowd gave a MASSIVE standing ovation that shook the rafters, a moment that captured everything Jesse Jackson meant to generations of Americans who believed in the promise of justice, equality, and hope.
Jesse Jackson Jr., son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, set the tone ahead of the services, calling for unity across political lines.
“Come respectfully and come to say thank you,” he said, noting that his father’s life was “broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American.”
Rev. Jesse Jackson ran for president twice, in 1984 and 1988, and spent decades building political and economic power for Black Americans and marginalized communities worldwide.
His legacy is not a chapter in history. It is the foundation this fight still stands on.
