The world is mourning the passing of a legend as we prepare to say a final farewell to Reverend Jesse Jackson.
The influential civil rights leader passed away peacefully at his Chicago home on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84. Surrounded by his loved ones, Reverend Jackson succumbed to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder he had fought with grace for several years.
While his passing marks the end of a monumental era in American activism, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition has announced an expansive series of memorial services designed to celebrate a life that shifted the course of history.
In keeping with the Reverend’s lifelong mission of inclusivity, the family has ensured that many of the scheduled events are open to the public. The homegoing journey begins in Chicago, where he will lie in state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters (930 E. 50th Street) on Thursday, February 26, and Friday, February 27. Doors will open at 10:00 a.m. both days, providing a space for the community he loved to pay their final respects.
The tribute to his national impact will then move across the country, with formal services scheduled in his home state of South Carolina on Sunday, March 1, followed by a service in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 4. These locations highlight his deep roots and his tireless work on the front lines of the nation’s capital.
One of the most significant gatherings will be “The People’s Celebration,” a massive public tribute expected to draw thousands. This event will take place on Friday, March 6, at the House of Hope (752 E. 114th Street) in Chicago. Doors are set to open at 9:00 a.m. for this 10,000-seat venue, allowing friends, world leaders, and admirers to come together in a powerful display of unity and remembrance.
The week of mourning will conclude with a private homegoing service on Saturday, March 7, at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters. While this final service is reserved for family and close associates due to capacity, a livestream will be provided so that the public can join in spirit from across the globe.
As the Rainbow PUSH Coalition emphasizes, “all are welcome” at the public events to honor a man who taught us that “hope is alive.”
To stay updated on registration or potential schedule changes, supporters are encouraged to visit JesseJacksonLegacy.com or RainbowPUSH.org.
