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

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Last updated: Monday, March 9, 2026 5:07PM GMT
Rev. Jackson laid to rest at Oak Woods Cemetery

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The life of Rev. Jesse Jackson was celebrated.

Chicago and the nation said goodbye to Rev. Jesse Jackson on Friday and Saturday.

Services were held in Chicago and South Carolina.

Plans in Washington, D.C. were postponed.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Mar 07, 2026, 11:47 PM

Procession to cemetery follows final service for Rev. Jackson

The final service for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson was one of love, laughter, tears and inspiration.

Saturday's events were the culmination of days of homegoing services for the reverend who died Feb. 17.

Everyday people, along with Rev. Jackson's family and close friends, came together for a final goodbye on Saturday.

A procession to the cemetery immediately followed Saturday's service, which people from all over came to.

Crowds lined up early Saturday morning to get into Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters.

Mar 06, 2026, 7:26 PM GMT

Chicago Mayor Johnson calls Rev. Jackson a friend, mentor, source of inspiration

Public Service for Rev. Jesse Jackson - Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Mar 06, 2026, 7:02 PM GMT

Gov. Pritzker honors Rev. Jackson's dedication to bring justice

Public Service for Rev. Jesse Jackson - Gov. JB Pritzker
Mar 06, 2026, 7:00 PM GMT

Jussie Smollett attends services for Rev. Jackson in Chicago

"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett attended the celebration for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson at House of Hope on Friday.

ABC7 cameras were there, showing him in the crowd as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took the podium.

Jussie Smollett attended the celebration for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson at House of Hope on Friday.

Smollett reached a settlement last year with the city of Chicago, which sued the actor for the cost of the overtime police spent investigating an attack they say he staged.

In 2024, the Illinois State Supreme Court dismissed Smollett's conviction for lying about that alleged Streeterville hate crime attack.

Mar 06, 2026, 6:58 PM GMT

Yusef Jackson honors his father: 'Keep hope alive'

Yusef Jackson, Chief Operating Officer of Rainbow PUSH, honored his father's legacy.

Public Service for Rev. Jesse Jackson - Yusef Jackson
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