Family, close allies, and confidants gathered in Chicago on Saturday for an intimate memorial service honouring the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a day after a widely televised public celebration. The poignant event, held at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s headquarters, served as a powerful call to action, urging attendees to uphold the civil rights leader's enduring legacy.
Hundreds attended the final homegoing service on the South Side, where speakers, including Jackson’s children, prominent civil rights figures, and two African presidents, stressed that the most fitting tribute to his life was to continue his tireless advocacy for universal human rights and economic justice. Yusef Jackson, one of the reverend’s sons and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, underscored this sentiment. "It is appropriate that we respect this season of grief," he stated, "However, it is also appropriate to honor him by stepping up, to step out, and continue his work by answering his call to serve."
U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, an Illinois Democrat and another son, said that his father “taught me that any society that will not support the many who are poor will never be able to save the few who are rich.” He said that his father's relentless activism and charisma were rooted in a Christian call to service. Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, said that ambitious politicians should emulate the political strategy Jackson championed during his two presidential bids. “Let the word go out that anyone who would like to be president of the United States in 2028, you’d better study this concept of the rainbow coalition,” Morial said.
In a move meant to reflect Jackson's ethos, some members of the public who gathered outside the PUSH headquarters were allowed to enter the private service. “Dad’s theology was rooted in the belief that every human being carries inherent worth,” said Ashley Jackson, the late reverend's youngest daughter. “He fought for that truth in places that most people never saw, people whose names never made the news across decades and continents and causes.” The service included musical performances by singers Stevie Wonder, Opal Staples, Terisa Griffin, Kim Burrell and others. The comedian Chris Tucker added some levity to the solemn services with a stand-up comedy set.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked the late Jackson for his work to end South Africa's apartheid system. “He told the world that the struggle for dignity in the United States was inseparable from the fight against apartheid and injustice in South Africa,” said Ramaphosa, who said his nation claimed the late civil rights leader as one of their own. Felix Tshisekedi, president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, praised Jackson as a peacemaker and humanitarian. “Your mourning is also ours. You have lost a father, a husband, a brother. The world has lost a pastor, a champion, a mender of bridges. Africa has lost a faithful, loving son,” Tshisekedi said.
Since his death last month, Jackson’s family and allies have honored the late reverend with commemorations, community service and demonstrations they say continue his work. Mourners first honored Jackson as he lay in repose in Chicago last month. The late reverend then lay in state at the South Carolina Capitol. Jackson grew up in segregated Greenville, South Carolina. As a high schooler, he led fellow students into a protest that desegregated a local library.
