Clinton, Obama, Biden, Harris to Speak at Late Rev. Jesse Jackson Funeral/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Thousands gathered in Chicago to celebrate the life of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden—along with former Vice President Kamala Harris were among the speakers honoring his legacy. The memorial highlighted Jackson’s decades-long fight for civil rights, equality, and political inclusion.
Jesse Jackson Memorial Chicago Quick Looks
- A major public memorial honored Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. in Chicago.
- Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden delivered remarks.
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris also appeared on the program.
- The event took place at a large South Side church with a 10,000-seat arena.
- Jackson, a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., died at age 84.
- Thousands attended, celebrating his influence on civil rights and politics.
- The memorial followed earlier tributes in Chicago and South Carolina.
Deep Look: Clinton, Obama, Biden, Harris to Speak at Late Rev. Jesse Jackson Funeral
Thousands of mourners gathered in Chicago for a major public memorial celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and national politics.
The ceremony, held at a prominent church on the city’s South Side, featured remarks from three former U.S. presidents—Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden—along with former Vice President Kamala Harris. The event was organized by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the civil rights organization Jackson founded decades ago.
The celebration of life was expected to be the largest tribute held for Jackson since his death last month at the age of 84. Earlier memorial services in Chicago and in his birthplace of South Carolina had also drawn large crowds.
President Donald Trump, who had praised Jackson in social media posts following his death, did not attend the memorial, according to the White House schedule.
The service honored a man widely regarded as one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the modern era. Jackson rose to national prominence as a close associate of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
After King’s assassination, Jackson continued advocating for social justice and economic opportunity, becoming a leading voice for marginalized communities across the United States.
The venue hosting the ceremony included a large arena capable of seating around 10,000 people. Crowds lined up outside the church hours before the service began, with many waiting patiently to enter the building.
Inside, television screens played highlights from Jackson’s speeches, reminding attendees of his powerful voice and political influence.
Vendors at the event sold commemorative items such as campaign pins from Jackson’s 1984 presidential run and hooded sweatshirts bearing his famous “I Am Somebody” slogan.
The program also included a prerecorded message from Sen. Bernie Sanders, which was shown to the audience on large screens as attendees continued to take their seats.
Sanders praised Jackson’s presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 as groundbreaking moments in American politics.
Those campaigns helped mobilize diverse coalitions of voters and challenged racial and economic divisions within the country.
Sanders described Jackson’s runs for the Democratic presidential nomination as an “unprecedented” effort to unite Americans across racial and class lines.
Many attendees said they came to the memorial not only to honor Jackson but also to witness what they considered a historic moment.
Chelsia Bryan, a marketing professional who attended the service, said she felt compelled to be part of the tribute.
“As a Black woman, knowing that someone dedicated their life to making sure I could do the things I can do today, he’s worth honoring,” Bryan said.
Jackson’s son, former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., previously emphasized that the memorial was intended to welcome people from all political backgrounds.
“Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, right wing, left wing,” Jackson Jr. said. “His life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American.”
He said his father would have wanted people to use the moment not only to reflect but also to discuss differences and seek ways to move forward together.
Rev. Jesse Jackson spent more than five decades advocating for civil rights, economic justice, and political empowerment.
Through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he pushed corporations and government institutions to expand opportunities for minority communities and address systemic inequalities.
Jackson’s activism extended far beyond the United States. Over the years, he played diplomatic roles in international disputes and helped negotiate the release of prisoners abroad.
His advocacy touched many areas of public life, including voting rights, health care access, education, job opportunities, and criminal justice reform.
Despite serious health challenges in his later years, Jackson remained active in public life.
He had been battling a rare neurological disorder that gradually affected his mobility and ability to speak. Family members said he continued going into his office until last year and often communicated with colleagues through hand signals.
One of his final major public appearances came at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Among those attending the memorial was Mary Lovett, a 90-year-old retired teacher who said Jackson’s activism had influenced her life for decades.
Lovett recalled moving from Mississippi to Chicago during the 1960s and witnessing Jackson’s rise as a national leader advocating for equality and justice.
She said she voted for him during both of his presidential campaigns and admired his willingness to stand up for people who often felt ignored.
“He’s gone, but I hope his legacy lives,” Lovett said. “I hope we remember what he tried to teach us.”
Tributes to Jackson have poured in from political leaders, activists, and everyday citizens since his death.
Memorial services in both Chicago and South Carolina drew civic leaders, school groups, and community members who shared stories about how Jackson’s work affected their lives.
Several states lowered flags to half-staff in recognition of his contributions.
There had also been discussions about honoring Jackson in Washington, D.C., by allowing him to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson declined the request, noting that the honor is traditionally reserved for certain public officials, including former presidents.
Plans for any additional national tribute have not yet been announced.
In his final months, Jackson continued receiving visits from friends and political allies, including Bill and Hillary Clinton and civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton.
Sharpton, who also attended earlier memorial events in Chicago, described Jackson as a lifelong mentor and guiding figure.
“He has been the central mentor of my life,” Sharpton said.
Sharpton added that the greatest way to honor Jackson would be to continue the work he dedicated his life to advancing.
“The challenge for us,” Sharpton said, “is to make sure that all he lived for was not in vain.”
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