Today, let us all remember, as the Rev. Jesse Jackson famously said, to “Keep Hope Alive.”
A homecoming service to honor Jackson, the civil rights icon and two-time presidential candidate who died on Feb. 17, will feature three former presidents and thousands attending the memorial tribute Friday at a giant arena in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood. The headquarters of Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition, 930 E. 50th St., was not large enough to host the event.
WHERE WILL THE SERVICE BE HELD? At the House of Hope Convention and Event Center, 752 E. 114th St. The House of Hope arena has about 10,000 seats.
CAN I GO? Yes. Get there early. Doors open to the public at 9 a.m. Services begin at 11 a.m. Parking is limited, but several public transit options are available.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW ALONG, WATCH OR LISTEN TO THE SERVICE? The service will be carried by WBEZ 91.5 FM starting at 11 a.m. WBEZ’s Sasha-Ann Simons will co-host live coverage with journalist and author Natalie Moore. Additionally, the Sun-Times will have several reporters live blogging the event on its homepage. You can also find livestreams at JesseJacksonLegacy.com, CSPAN and other outlets. Expect a very long service.
WHO ARE THE OFFICIANTS? Dr. Charles Jenkins, Pastor Emeritus at the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church (now known as Fellowship Chicago), and Rev. James T. Meeks, the founder and pastor emeritus of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. Jackson’s connections to Fellowship run deep. In 1965, Fellowship’s Rev. Clay Evans ordained Rev. Jackson as an associate minister of the church.
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST NAMES SPEAKING? This service will also be part of presidential history, since it is rare for past presidents to be together. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden will be among the speakers. President Trump and ex-President George W. Bush were invited, but are not attending. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is also speaking. Former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Jill Biden will attend. Former first lady Michelle Obama, a South Side native who grew up with Sanita Jackson is not on the list. The Sun-Times asked the Obama team why she is not attending and so far have not gotten a reply.
WHO ARE OTHER NOTABLE SPEAKERS? Mayor Brandon Johnson; Gov JB Pritzker; Rep. Maxine Waters,D-Calif.; Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts; Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Loop Capital, Jim Reynolds; Judge Greg Mathis; Chair of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, C.K. Hoffler, NBA star Isaiah Thomas; National Action Network founder Rev. Al Sharpton; Arab American Institute founder James Zogby, the President of Columbia, Gustave Francisco Petro Urrego and Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Ill.
WHO ARE AMONG THOSE OFFERING PRAYERS? Rabbi Sharon Brous, founder of IKAR, a Los Angeles synagogue; Father Michael Pfleger from St. Sabina’s and Rev. Otis Moss III, from Trinity United Church of Christ.
WHAT JACKSON FAMILY MEMBERS ARE PART OF THE SERVICE? Sons Yusef; former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.; Rep. Jonathan Jackson; daughter, Sanita, who will sing; daughter Ashley and Jackson’s wife, Jacqueline.
WHO WILL BE PERFORMING? Chicago’s very own Jennifer Hudson – who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony – and Gospel legends Bebe and Marvin Winans will perform.
WHAT IS THE SATURDAY EVENT? It’s a smaller service at Rainbow-PUSH headquarters, starting at 10 a.m. that is expected to run until 1:30 or 2 p.m. Performers will include Stevie Wonder.
WHEN AND WHERE WILL REV. JACKSON BE BURIED? After the Saturday service there will be a procession to Oak Woods Cemetery, 1035 E 67th St. Sun-Times columnist Lee Bey has a great read about this historic burial place.
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