Chicago Honors Rev. Jesse Jackson
Memorial services and tributes are being held across Chicago to commemorate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson. Ceremonies are taking place throughout the city to honor his contributions.
A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson's journey in the civil rights movement was deeply rooted in Chicago. In 1966, Dr. King appointed Jackson to head the Chicago branch of Operation Breadbasket, the economic arm of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), which focused on improving economic conditions for Black residents. Jackson's influence grew nationally from his Chicago base. In 1971, he founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and later the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984 after his first presidential campaign. These two organizations, both headquartered in Chicago, merged in 1996 to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. He made two historic bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. Though unsuccessful, his campaigns reshaped American politics, registering millions of new voters and paving the way for future Black political leaders, including President Barack Obama. His 1988 campaign was particularly strong, finishing as the runner-up for the nomination. Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84. Thousands gathered to honor his life and legacy at a service at Chicago's House of Hope, with tributes from former presidents and national leaders. His body also lay in repose for public viewing at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters on the South Side. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, by President Bill Clinton on August 9, 2000. Over his career, Jackson received more than 40 honorary doctorate degrees for his work in human and civil rights.
