Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson: A Celebration of Life in Chicago
Chicago is preparing to honor the late Rev. Jesse Jackson with a celebration of life, following his passing at the age of 84. The civil rights activist, known for his work alongside Martin Luther King Jr., dedicated over six decades to advocating for racial equality, economic justice, and voting rights. The events will include a lying in state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, followed by "The People's Celebration" at the House of Hope on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT. A Homegoing Service is scheduled for Feb. 28 at Rainbow PUSH, starting at 10 a.m. CT. Registration details for the events will be shared on Jackson's website soon.
Jackson's health struggles included a hospitalization in November and a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. He also disclosed his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in 2017. Rising to national prominence in the 1960s as one of King's protégés, Jackson made history as the first major Black candidate for the presidency, running for the Democratic Party's nomination in 1984 and 1988. His contributions to civil rights were recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.