• Jesse Jackson's memorial events began in Chicago, honoring his decades-long civil rights activism.
• Jackson lay in repose for two days at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
• Memorials included remembrances from family, city officials, and civil rights leaders.

Memorial events honoring the life and legacy of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson commenced this week in Chicago, aiming to celebrate a man whose decades-long activism significantly reshaped American politics, particularly for Black communities and people of color. Jackson, who died last week at the age of 84 due to complications from a neurological disorder, was renowned for his role as a founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and a strong advocate for voting rights and desegregation. The memorial observances began with a public viewing at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters and are expected to draw a wide array of community members and officials, according to Reuters.

Following the Chicago memorial, services will also take place in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina, where Jackson was born. His family shared that the outpouring of love has been felt not only locally but also from across the nation, with numerous states, including Minnesota and North Carolina, lowering flags in his honor. A significant aspect of the memorials includes public schools expressing condolences and city trains displaying Jackson's image and famous mantra, "I am Somebody!", highlighting his deep connection with the community he served, according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.

The memorial service drew large crowds, with lines of mourners waiting for hours to pay their respects. Family members and prominent figures, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Rev. Al Sharpton, greeted attendees at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters. Jackson’s legacy as a civil rights champion and political activist is underscored by significant milestones in his career, including his presidential runs in 1984 and 1988, which inspired a generation of voters. Sharpton remarked, "The challenge for us is that we've got to make sure that all he lived for was not in vain," emphasizing the need to continue Jackson's fight for equality, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

As the days of tribute continue, a musical celebration titled "The People's Celebration" is scheduled to take place, featuring gospel choirs at the House of Hope, symbolizing Jackson's profound spiritual leadership and connection to faith-based advocacy. Following these events, the final homegoing celebration of Jackson's life is scheduled for March 7 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters. His eldest son remarked on the continuing relevance of Jackson's activism, stating, "This is a unique opportunity to lay down some of the political rhetoric and to reflect upon a man who brought people together," encapsulating the spirit of unity Jackson championed throughout his life, according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.