Rev. Jackson updates: Chicago says final goodbye to civil rights icon at Rainbow PUSH HQ

A fraternity is honoring the late Rev. Jesse Jackson with a service Thursday night.

Hundreds of members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity from all over the country made their way to the South Side of Chicago.

A fraternity honored Rev. Jesse Jackson with a service Thursday.

Donned in black suits and purple ties, fraternity members gathered for what is expected to be an emotional service to honor their brother, Jesse Jackson.

Jackson was initiated into Omega Psi Phi at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in the Pi Psi chapter. He would later go on to finish his studies at North Carolina A&T.

"Jesse Jackson meant a lot to a lot of people but to Omega Psi Phi; he meant even more. I was touched and I first met brother Jackson. The way that he came off was so real, so genuine," said Marquis Sogia, 10th District representative with Omega Psi Phi.

"One thing he impacted in my life was Rainbow PUSH coalition. I grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Seeing what he did for this community, it made me invest in myself, go to school, go to college. It does something for the youth," Omega Psi Phi member Chidiebere Anaele said.

"Well, I'm 75-years-old. I've been crying like a child since I got the news. I have a damp handkerchief from wiping away the tears. So, it's going to flow out of me. I guarantee it. Jesse, thank you for the work, the sacrifice and for your love in Omega," Omega Psi Phi member Charles Bruce said.

Members said it will not be the same without Rev. Jackson. But they are vowing the carry on the legacy he has left behind.

The final preparations are ongoing for the Chicago services for the late Jesse Jackson.

Powerful praises and songs of worship are planned for Friday.

The final preparations are ongoing for Jesse Jackson's Chicago services.

On Thursday, delegations of dignitaries, media and those close to Rev. Jesse Jackson gathered at the House of Hope on Chicago's Far South Side in preparation for the public service for the civil rights icon.

There are many details to refine: The security, staging and decor will be orchestrated, as well.

There were rehearsals Thursday for co-officiants Rev. James Meeks and Pastor Charles Jenkins.

"It's so beautiful that so many people want to be a part of this service to celebrate and give. Rev Jackson spent decades going to the people; now the people are coming to him and it's a massive undertaking," family friend Jenkins said.

Rev. Charlie Dates is the lead pastor for Salem Baptist Church, which worships at the House of Hope.

"Hope is the message of Rev. Jesse Jackson, how providential it would be that he would be celebrated at the house that bears the name of his message," Dates said.

The service Friday is intended to celebrate Jackson's life with many examples of his accomplishments and how he influenced things big and small in a mission to make the world fairer for all.

Chicagoan event planner and founder of the Black Women's Expo Merry Green is among those on the host committee.

"There are so many of us they brought in locally that know Rev. Jackson, that know the family, that know PUSH," Green said.

A local floral designer answered a call for help with flowers and plants in browns and beiges to honor Rev. Jackson.

"It's definitely one of the most important events, being able to serve the family in this way, knowing that he was a man of service," Christianna Tucker said.

Some CTA bus routes could be affected by Friday's services.

In the area between 111th/Cottage Grove and 115th/Cottage Grove, temporary street closures may occur due to the events leading up to, during and following the funeral service for Rev. Jesse Jackson.

The disruption to service is expected to start around 7 a.m., the CTA said.

CTA bus routes, particularly ones that operate on 115th and on Cottage Grove, may be affected by either a temporary reroute or they may need to end their trips short of their normal route.

Riders should prepare for possible delays and allow extra travel time.

The impacted routes include No. 4 Cottage Grove, No. 111A Pullman Shuttle and No. 115 Pullman/115th.

There is a threat for severe weather Friday, ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Larry Mowry said.

A cluster of showers and thunderstorms will likely move through the area during the morning hours on Friday, he said.

The threat of severe weather with that storm cluster is relatively low, but there could be some hail and gusty winds.

Isolated thunderstorms are possible during Friday afternoon and evening.

There is the risk for high winds, hail and a low-end tornado treat, Mowry said.

Much of the Chicago area is under a Level 1 severe threat, but some south, west and north suburbs are under a Level 2 risk of severe weather.