Jesse Jackson's Family Sets Funeral Plans
Family announced services to begin next week and that Jackson, who died at 84 after progressive supranuclear palsy, will lie in repose at Rainbow/PUSH headquarters in Chicago.
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Overview
Jackson's family on Feb. 18 revealed preliminary funeral plans saying services will begin next week and he will lie in repose at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago.
He died Tuesday at age 84 after battling progressive supranuclear palsy, which he was formally diagnosed with last year after managing the condition for more than a decade, his family said.
Five of his children, including U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, gave an emotional tribute Wednesday outside his longtime Chicago home and Jesse Jackson Jr. said the services would welcome Democrats, Republicans, liberals and conservatives.
Jackson amassed more than 10 million votes across his two presidential campaigns and founded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition after leading Operation Breadbasket, his family and historical profiles said.
The family said it will post further funeral details and logistics on JesseJacksonlegacy.com and that a final celebration of life will be held at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition headquarters.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Jackson’s passing as a reverent, family-centered legacy, using emotive language ("civil rights icon," "tears") and privileging family voices while omitting critical perspectives. Quote selection and placement emphasize unity and cross-partisan appeal ("Democrat, Republican…"), producing an affirming, uncritical narrative rather than a contested account.
FAQ
The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition is a multi-racial, multi-issue progressive international membership organization founded by Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. in December 1996 through the merger of two organizations he created: People United to Serve Humanity (PUSH, founded in 1971) and the Rainbow Coalition (founded in 1984). The organization has headquarters in Chicago and regional offices in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and Oakland. Its mission is to protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world. The organization advocates for African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, other minorities, and women, with a focus on increasing minority representation in corporate payrolls, boardrooms, and supplier lists.[2]
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive movement, balance, and vision problems. Jackson was formally diagnosed with PSP last year but had been managing the condition for more than a decade before the diagnosis. The disease ultimately led to his death at age 84.[2]
Jesse Jackson will lie in repose at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition headquarters located at 930 E 50th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60615. A final celebration of life will also be held at the same location. Services will begin the week following his family's announcement on February 18, 2026. Jackson's children indicated the services will welcome Democrats, Republicans, liberals and conservatives. Additional funeral details and logistics will be posted on JesseJacksonlegacy.com.
Jesse Jackson amassed more than 10 million votes across his two presidential campaigns. He also founded Operation Breadbasket before establishing the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Additionally, he served as shadow senator from Washington, D.C. from 1991 to 1996, and spearheaded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition's "Wall Street Project" which advocated for minorities in corporate leadership and business opportunities.[4]
The Jackson family directed the public to visit JesseJacksonlegacy.com for further funeral details and logistics. This website will contain comprehensive information about the services, including specific times, dates, and any additional arrangements for the celebration of life at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago.[2]
