Private funeral service held for Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow PUSH headquarters
The final celebration of life services for Rev. Jesse Jackson was held at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters on Saturday.
A line formed early in the morning ahead of the service. One of the first people in line told CBS News Chicago she will "remember this forever."
Artist Stevie Wonder shared memories of his friendship and political activism with Jackson.
"Rev. Jackson and I had a long and strong history," he said. "It was personal and political. We were able to love each other and support each other through the good and the bad. I knew his heart, I respected his mind, and trusted his soul. I wish we could say everyone did."
He then performed his song "They Won't Go When I Go," which he said "speaks the truth in my heart." He also performed "As."
"He opened doors, he kicked them down when necessary so that others were no longer locked out," Yusef Jackson, Sr., Jesse Jackson's son and the CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said.
U.S. Rep Jonathan Jackson spoke about his father's legacy, calling him a "legend, a miracle, a special occurrence."
The rest of the Jackson children – Ashley Jackson. Dr. Jaqueline Jackson II and former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr – are also in the program to speak, while his daughter Santita Jackson will give a musical performance.
Other notable speakers on the program include Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, Chicago Archbishop Cardinal Blase Cupich, and actor/comedian Chris Tucker.
Linda Johnson Rice, daughter of Ebony magazine Mogul, John H. Johnson, a publication that began in Chicago and became famous around the world, also attended Saturday's private funeral service.
"There is no way I was ever going to miss this home-going service for Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson," she said.
A procession was followed by a private burial at Oak Woods Cemetery in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood, where other influential African American and Chicago leaders were buried, including Ida B. Wells, Jesse Owens, and Chicago's first black mayor, Harold Washington.
Jackson died Feb. 17 at age 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his mobility and ability to speak in his later years.
Jackson's extended funeral services and public memorials began last week in Chicago, with his body lying in repose for public viewing at Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters. Hundreds lined up in Chicago to pay their last respects to the civil rights leader.
Jackson's casket was then brought to his home for one last time to lie in state at the South Carolina Capitol on Monday.
Funeral services held Friday at House of Hope
Jackson, Sr. was honored at The People's Celebration and funeral service on Friday morning at the House of Hope on the Far South Side of Chicago.
Former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden attended, as well as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former first lady Dr. Jill Biden.
Other notable guests include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, and Chicago Cubs owner Tim Ricketts.
The service included musical performances by Jennifer Hudson and gospel singers Bebe Winans and Pastor Marvin Winans.
The family asks that all flowers and condolence cards be sent to:
Leak & Sons Funeral Home
7838 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60619