Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson, 1st District, Illinois, Addresses Democracy, Faith, and Citizenship During Black History Month Program at St. Paul & the Redeemer in Hyde Park
Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson, 1st District, Illinois, Addresses Democracy, Faith, and Citizenship During Black History Month Program at St. Paul & the Redeemer in Hyde Park
(Hyde Park, Chicago) — Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson, 1st District Illinois and son of civil rights icon The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., will deliver the keynote address at the Church of St. Paul & the Redeemer (SPR) in Hyde Park on Sunday, February 9, at 2:00 PM. His talk, titled “WHO’S in CHARGE?: A Reflection on Our Democracy, Citizenship, and Faith,” will focus on the interplay of these vital aspects in contemporary society.
The celebration occurs in the week that the Episcopal church recognizes The Reverend Absalom Jones, the first Black Episcopal Priest and founder of The African Episcopal Church of Saint Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The highly regarded SPR choir, under the direction of Mark Bilyeu, will present works by two contemporary African American composers Marquis A.L. Garrett and Carl MaultsBy.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. aptly described the ancient calling of faith communities to serve as ‘the conscience of the State.' As a local congregation, SPR joins with its sisters and brothers and siblings in all faith communities to engage civically in this way,” commented The Reverend Wes Smedley, Interim Rector of St. Paul & the Redeemer.
“In the wake of what has been described as the ‘most consequential election of the century,’ we felt Congressman Jackson could offer valuable insights into how we, as citizens, can continue on the path of our faith while remaining civically engaged and understanding our power as citizens,” said Devorah Crable, Chair, 2025 SPR BHM Committee.
The event is presented through the SPR Antiracism Working Group, chaired by Sara Bigger. “We are honored to host Congressman Jackson and to recognize the ongoing contributions of Chicago’s first family of civil rights, particularly the remarkable social justice work of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition,” added Bigger.
“At this pivotal moment in history, it is crucial that we ensure Black history continues to be written and told,” remarked Dr. Jo An Roberts, former CPS Chief Deputy Superintendent and SPR BHM Committee Chair Emeritus. “As a community, we must persist in the fight for civil rights for all. We deeply appreciate the ongoing work of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. and his wife, Jacqueline Jackson, as they advocate for justice and equity. It is both motivating and inspiring to witness their children continuing this legacy.”
The program will be streamed live via YouTube at [https://www.youtube.com/SPRChicago](https:// www.youtube.com/SPRChicago). Following the keynote address, guests are invited to partake in a Super Bowl-themed reception in the lower-level Parish Hall. RSVP is requested via [sprchicago.org/black-history-month-rsvp](http://sprchicago.org/black-history-month-rsvp).
SPR is located at 4945 S Dorchester Ave. Ample free off-street parking is available. All are welcome to participate in the Black History Month celebration and worship services at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
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