Remembering Jesse Jackson and the power of building coalitions
Jesse Jackson, one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the past half century, passed away on Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, at the age of 84.
CHICAGO – Former presidents, music legends and thousands of admirers gathered to celebrate the life of a deceased man. pastor jesse jackson Mourners gathered on Friday, March 6, to honor his vision for advancing social justice and civil rights.
Jackson, one of the world’s most famous black activists who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr., died on February 17 in Chicago at the age of 84. For decades, the city served as an iconic hub for the civil rights movement. He moved to the city in 1964; attend Chicago Theological Seminary; later led Operation Breadbasket, a division of Martin Luther King Jr.’s organization focused on improving the economic conditions of black people, and launched his signature civil rights organization, the Rainbow Push Coalition.
By 8 a.m. Central time, thousands of people had already gathered outside the House of Hope on the city’s far south side to pay their respects to Mr. Jackson.
“This is an opportunity for all of us, not just the African American community, but all around the world, to celebrate the accomplishments of a great man,” Eric Williams, a Chicago resident and member of House of Hope Church, told USA TODAY. “He will be sorely missed.”
Williams and Shauna Weatherspoon had already been in line for about an hour by 8 a.m. Weatherspoon, also a Chicago resident, pointed out what it means to have such a symbol of service so close to home.
“It was very meaningful to have him so present here and so accessible,” Weatherspoon said, adding that Jackson “lived a life of service to others” that was as worthy of adoption as he has been, adding, “This is rare, but still very much needed.”
Friday’s celebration of life, dubbed “The People’s Celebration,” was held at the House of Hope, a 10,000-person event space on the city’s south side. Those scheduled to attend included former presidents and first ladies. joe bidenJill Biden barack obama, bill clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Including musicians performing at the event. EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson and gospel legend BeBe Winans.
Jackson’s public service on March 6 is the latest in a series of events across the country to celebrate the late civil rights icon’s life.
