Jesse Jackson funeral latest: Mourners gather in Chicago as three former presidents expected
jesse jackson’s Chicago funeral has drawn national leaders and thousands of mourners this week as the city hosts the largest memorial in a series of commemorations. The funeral service begins at 11 a. m. ET at Chicago’s House of Hope, with doors opening at 9 a. m. ET and public entry through Gate 4 under held security. The family has pressed a message of inclusion, saying these homegoing services are open to all to discuss differences and move forward.
Expanding details: timing, location and attendees
The celebration of life is expected to be the biggest of recent memorial events in Chicago and follows a week of commemorations that included a public lying in state in South Carolina where he was born. Jesse Jackson died peacefully surrounded by his family on 17 February; memorials began in Chicago last week and his body also lay in state in South Carolina.
The funeral service begins at 11 a. m. ET at Chicago’s House of Hope; doors open at 9 a. m. ET and the public will be allowed in through the church’s Gate 4, with all attendees required to pass through security and only small bags permitted. The family will livestream all services and has emphasized that everyone is welcome.
High-profile attendance is expected: former Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are listed among those expected to attend, and former Vice President Kamala Harris is also expected at the service. The family extended invitations to President Donald Trump and former President George W. Bush, though it is unclear whether they will attend.
Jesse Jackson — Immediate reactions from leaders and family
“These homegoing services are welcome to all, ” said former U. S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr., framing the family’s message that the events should span the political spectrum. “Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, right wing, left wing because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American, ” he added.
U. S. Sen. Dick Durbin reflected on a long personal connection with the late leader, recalling early meetings that began a decades-long friendship. Dennis Culloton, spokesperson for Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts, described a relationship centered on shared time at baseball games and noted an affectionate bond between the chairman and the civil rights leader.
Performers and speakers scheduled for the Chicago service include Jennifer Hudson and gospel artists Bebe Winans and Pastor Marvin Winans, while Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker are listed as speakers.
Quick context and what’s next
Jackson’s life of political activism included domestic civil rights work and international engagement: he met Fidel Castro in 1984, campaigned against apartheid in South Africa and was present when Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990. During the Clinton administration he served as a special envoy for democracy in Africa and traveled to Belgrade during the Kosovo War to negotiate the release of U. S. POWs.
In the coming hours and days, Chicago’s House of Hope service will bring elected officials, advocates and community members together; the family’s livestream will carry the proceedings for those unable to attend in person, and officials and organizers are expected to use the platform to push for unity and next steps in civic engagement.
