03/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/05/2026 21:04
*GENERAL SEATING IS OPEN WITHOUT REGISTRATION*
CHICAGO, IL (March 5, 2026) - On Friday, March 6, the country will continue to bid farewell to Civil Rights humanitarian and minister, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson at the House of Hope. Additional speakers and performers have been added to the line-up. Founder and President of the National Action Network, Rev. Al Sharpton, Judge Greg Mathis, Chairman and CEO of Loop Capital, James Reynolds, Rev. Dr. Michael Pfleger and Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. Musical selection by LeAndria Johnson, with musical supervision by Fred Nelson and choir direction led by Grammy-award winning Gospel singer Darius Brooks.
"The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson was not simply a civil rights leader; he was a movement unto himself. He carried history in his footsteps and hope in his voice. One of the greatest honors of my life was learning at his side. He reminded me that faith without action is just noise. He taught me that protest must have purpose, that faith must have feet, and that justice is not seasonal, it is daily work."
- Rev. Al Sharpton
Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joseph Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, have confirmed their attendance and will be scheduled to speak on the program. First lady, Dr. Jill Biden, and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will also be in attendance. The public homegoing services will be led by officiants Dr. Charles Jenkins and Rev. James T. Meeks, who are scheduled for both days. The final Celebration of Life services will be held at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters on Saturday, March 7.
Other notable speakers include Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, and Rabbi Sharon Brous. Also on Friday, March 6, Gospel legends Bebe Winans and Pastor Marvin Winans, along with Grammy Award-winning Gospel artists Marvin Sapp and Hezekiah Walker, will perform.
On Saturday, March 7, there is a musical tribute featuring the legendary Stevie Wonder, along with other artists. They will join friends, family, national dignitaries, and business leaders to pay homage to Reverend Jackson's extraordinary life and mission.
Please limit the items you bring to help ensure a smooth process. Bags/purses need to be a smaller size (e.g., a clutch or a fanny pack). Items prohibited: Lighters, Weapons, signage, and any items that could disrupt service.
For media credentials, please complete the online form here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/106KKPYi0XBiRYF09xeXlt5cNKxYho23XnrLbAKqxeq8/viewform?edit_requested=true ).
Friday, March 6
The People's Celebration - Public Homegoing Service of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Location: House of Hope, 752 E. 114th St., Chicago, IL 60628 (https://www.google.com/maps/search/752+E.+114th+St.,+Chicago,+IL+60628?entry=gmail&source=g )
**There will be open, general-admission seating. Early arrival is recommended.
Saturday, March 7
Homegoing Celebration of Life
Location: Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters, 930 E. 50th St., Chicago, IL 60615 (https://www.google.com/maps/search/930+E.+50th+St.,+Chicago,+IL+60615?entry=gmail&source=g )
About National Action Network
National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender. For more information, visit https://www.nationalactionnetwork.net