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

Hundreds gathered to honor one of the most prominent members of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

They came together at the First Baptist Church of Chicago in Kenwood to remember a leader in their brotherhood.

Hundreds gathered to honor one of the most prominent members of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

"He was just a phenomenal individual, inspiring, the whole nine, and it's just an honor to be here," Omega Psi Phi member Sean Long said.

Rev. Jesse Jackson was initiated into Omega Psi Phi in spring of 1960.

Two years after his initiation, Jackson was elected second vice grand basileus for the organization.

"It's something that's hard to describe, quite honestly, because I've known Jesse. I was there when he first got made," Omega Psi Phi member John Moore said.

"One of the greatest moments in my life, as an Omega man, was when he came down to my hometown of Alton, Illinois to step up for some workers at a health care facility," Omega Psi Phi member Charles Bruce said.

They processed to Rainbow PUSH.

They followed their fraternity motto, "friendship is essential to the soul."

"He embodies our cardinal principals: manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift, and he used that uplift to give back to the community. He lived it every day," Omega Psi Phi member Marquis Sagnia said.

"And, he really set a standard for all the brothers that came in after him because you know you needed to carry yourself a certain way if you're going to be in the same fraternity as Reverend Jackson," Chicago historian and Omega Psi Phi member Sherman "Dilla" Thomas said.

Omega Psi Phi brothers say they will continue to honor Jackson's legacy during his home-going celebrations, this weekend, as Jackson enters the fraternity's Omega Chapter - a symbolic chapter in the organization for members who have died.

A resolution was introduced to Congress to honor Jackson's Legacy Thursday. President Trump was also called on to lower flags to half-staff.

U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio introduced a resolution that honors the life, legacy and contributions of Jackson.

She also asked Trump to issue a federal proclamation lowering the flags to half-staff in honor of Jackson's death.

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.