Jesse Jackson’s Farewell: A City Comes Together

The House of Hope on Chicago’s South Side hosted a heartfelt farewell for Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil‑rights icon who passed away on Feb. 17 at age 84. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Bill Clinton took the stage, each sharing memories that highlighted Jackson’s lifelong fight for equality. The crowd echoed his famous phrase “I am! Somebody! ” as a sign of respect and solidarity. Musical highlights included Chicago star Jennifer Hudson performing “A Change Gonna Come, ” gospel singers Bebe and Marvin Winans, and Hezekiah Walker’s “Every Praise. ” The ceremony began later than planned because guests mingled, showing the deep community ties Jackson nurtured. Speakers were a mix of political leaders and faith figures: Vice President Kamala Harris, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker, Rev. Al Sharpton and former NBA star Isiah Thomas.Other notable attendees were California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. The service, lasting several hours, featured readings from Jackson’s children and prayers from rabbis, pastors and judges. A video tribute honored his international influence, showing clips from the Gambia and a former prisoner of war. Jackson’s legacy began in Greenville, South Carolina, where he challenged segregation by demanding access to the “white library” in 1960. His activism grew, culminating in a march with Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma and two presidential runs in the 1980s. The Chicago ceremonies bookend a week that started with Jackson’s body lying in state at the South Carolina Capitol. A private service will follow Saturday, streamed online from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters he founded.