Chicago Honors Rev. Jesse Jackson as Thousands Gather for Final Farewell

Leaders, activists, and mourners pay tribute to the civil rights icon during a five-hour memorial service at Chicago’s House of Hope.

In honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of the most important civil rights leaders in modern American history, thousands of mourners, politicians, and civil rights activists gathered in Chicago on March 6. Taking place in the House of Hope on the South Side of the city, the public "homegoing" event honored Jackson's decades of advocacy with speeches, prayers and gospel music for over five hours.

Jackson was famous for his leadership in the civil rights struggle and his efforts to promote social and economic justice. He passed away on February 17 at the age of 84. Jackson, a protégé of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., went on to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition run twice for the Democratic presidential nomination and become a recognized advocate for underrepresented groups both United States and abroad.

Numerous major leaders and dignitaries attended the memorial event. Former US Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama came and gave speeches celebrating Jackson's impact and legacy. Along with relatives of Jackson's family, there were also Vice President Kamala Harris, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and a number of civil rights luminaries.

Obama considered Jackson's contribution to motivating successive generations of Americans to seek justice and social change in his homage. In the ceremony speakers highlighted Jackson's longstanding dedication to economic equality, voting rights and civil rights as well as his international efforts to promote human rights and peace.

Following his passing, a number of memorial services were held across the nation, including Jackson's funeral in Chicago. In the past memorials and public visits were held in both his native South Carolina and Chicago. Jackson was buried at Oak Woods Cemetery on the South Side of Chicago after the ceremony.

The event in Chicago served as a last goodbye to a civil rights discoverer whose impact went well beyond the city where he devoted the majority of his life to supporting justice and equality.