Renowned civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson was honored with a five-hour public homegoing service at the House of Hope in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood on Friday, attended by thousands of celebrants including three former U.S. presidents and a galaxy of luminaries. The service came as the nation continues to grapple with its own divisive climate under the Trump administration. Former President Barack Obama praised Jackson’s voice of inspiration, calling on Americans to become “heralds of change.” He recalled being a college student and watching Jackson debate his opponents in 1984, which inspired him to take action. The celebration was strong on style, but also featured humor from Rabbi Steven Jacobs joking about Jackson arriving at the Pearly Gates. Despite President Donald Trump’s absence, Jackson’s legacy continues to inspire hope and change, as former Vice President Kamala Harris said that the day had renewed “her faith in what is possible.”
Source: https://www.wbez.org/politics/2026/03/06/jesse-jackson-chicago-service-obama-biden-clinton-kamala-harris