Condolences For Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Lewis Jackson Continues To Pour In


Condolences For Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Lewis Jackson Continues To Pour In

As our press deadline approached, we learned of the passing to Civil Rights Leader and the founder of Operation PUSH.  The somberness of sorrow that dawns the atmosphere, Chicagoans gathered in their prospective places to remember and share memories of the falling leader.   Rev. Jackson meant a lot to all, however many of Chicago businesses leaders shared direct personal ties to Jackson recalling moments when they locked arms with him to fight for a seat at corporate tables where the person at the head of the table didn’t recognize Black value.

On behalf of The Citizen Newspapers Group and the Garth family, we deeply extend condolences and well wishes to the entire Jackson family.  Rev Jesse Jackson will be missed by many across the city and country. 


Below we share a few of the outpouring condolences received during press time in memory of the late Rev. Jesse L. Jackson  

1941- 2026 

 

Many around the world were greatly influenced by Reverend Jackson's selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. He touched our lives in deeply personal ways. He has been the engine that has enhanced the upward mobility of communities of color throughout the nation.

At the same time, no one did more in our time to advance the values and aspirations of African Americans. 

Reverend Jackson devoted his life to the service of his people and humanity, and he did so at great personal sacrifice. His principled stance and the undying focus that underpinned it were imperative to his success of breaking down barriers.

As a young African American female leader, I was privileged to work with Reverend Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH organization on a wide range of issues.. When I thanked him for his life’s work, he insisted the credit belonged to others. I was very moved by his deep sense of shared purpose.

Jesse Jackson showed what is possible for our world and within each one of us – if we believe, dream and work hard at diversity. He believed that diversity is our nation's greatest strength.

Let us continue each day to be inspired by his lifelong example of keeping hope alive. But moreover, we must adopt his undying mission to never cease working for a better and more just world.

 

Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman--16th Ward

Chairwoman of the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus


Passing of Rev. Jesse Lewis Jackson, his friend and comrade in the movement for civil rights, human rights, and humanity for the world

"We are saddened, extremely saddened, to hear of the passing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, of course, we have known that he was ill for quite Some time, and that ultimately it would come Nevertheless, we were hoping that he would continue to live, but the work, the spirit, what he has meant, not only to the city, the state, country and this world will continue to live on. So, I extend condolences to his family. Mrs. Jackie Jackson, all of his children, and the work that he has done will continue, because they are all seriously involved in public decision making. And so, though he will be gone, he will continue to live on."

Congressman Danny K. Davis Statement


The world has lost an unsurpassed champion for freedom and justice. As an activist, he inspired millions to stand united against injustice and racism. Reverend Jackson fought throughout his career to advance democratic values, working tirelessly to combat poverty, AIDS, and human rights abuses. Even in his last days, he sought to bring healing to a torn and deeply divided United States. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the entire Jackson family, Rainbow PUSH, and his followers throughout the world.

Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin. (38th District)


Words could never express the gratitude and appreciation that I have for Reverend Jackson, his legacy, and his countless accomplishments throughout his life. He coined the phrase, “Keep Hope Alive.” Well, on this day hope is now forever recaptured, reshaped, and recharged. In spirit Reverend Jackson has left us with a mandate to keep marching, keep voting, and to always keep hope alive. Our prayers are with the Jackson family.

Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin


Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering champion of civil rights and human rights who devoted his life to expanding the promise of America. Those of us who knew him saw firsthand his unwavering commitment to justice and dignity for all. May we honor his legacy by continuing his work.

U. S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi


Reverend Jackson created a paradigm in America that not only crossed racial lines but swept across continents and influenced the lives of millions of people who never had the opportunity to meet him, but invariably felt like he was their leader, too. The influence he had on people of all levels of society cannot fully be quantified but his towering presence will never be forgotten. My heartfelt prayers are with the Jackson family.

Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill. (5th District)


My heart bleeds as I have lost a good friend of over 40 years. We marched together, prayed together, and fought for fairness and equality together. Other than Dr. King, there has been no other civil rights leader who has accomplished more than Reverend Jackson. His focus was firm, his commitment to the poor was unrelenting, and his heart was an open door for love, peace, and diversity.

Bishop Larry D. Trotter, Sr. Pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit of Chicago.


“We have lost a great American hero. Reverend Jackson leaves us after a lifetime dedicated to fighting nonviolently for equity and social justice. He unabashedly stood for what was right. I had the honor of repeatedly working alongside him in his undying role as the Founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Reverend Jackson forever changed our world. We owe it to him and to all our forefathers of the Civil Rights movement to make sure the echoes of his footsteps march on through our own actions every day. I ask all praying people to join my family and pray for the family of Reverend Jackson as the country he spent his lifetime trying to make a better place.”

Calvin Jordan, Rich Township Supervisor and Democratic Committeeman 


My deepest condolences go out to Reverend Jesse Jackson's family. No one is ever prepared for such a loss. My family will miss him. The nation will miss him. The world will miss him. More than ever, we need to "keep hope alive."

Cook County Commission Donna Miller


Reverend Jesse Jackson was a singular figure on the global stage – a man of grace and towering achievement, a giant for justice and an overall inspiration to humanity.. 

I am terribly saddened by his passing. On behalf of the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus, we would like to extend our collective condolences to Mrs. Jackson, Congressman Jonathan Jackson and the entire Jackson family.

The world mourns as we have lost a leader who forever changed our hearts, minds, and the world. The outpouring that we will witness in the coming days and weeks will reflect the love that we have for Reverend Jackson and his inspiring resolve to promote human rights, peace, and democracy. I will remain in prayer for Mrs. Jackson and the entire Jackson family.

Thaddeus Jones, Illinois State Representative Thaddeus Jones 29th District 

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