Chicago, Illinois leaders remember Rev. Jesse Jackson after death at 84

Rev. Jesse Jackson, famed civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, is being remembered as a "lion," a "ray of light," and a "giant" by Illinois and Chicago leaders.

Jackson died peacefully on Tuesday morning at the age of 84, surrounded by his family. The Jackson family released the following statement early Tuesday morning, calling him a "servant leader" with an "unwavering belief in justice."

"Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world," said the Jackson family. "We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by."  

Reaction has been pouring in from leaders in Chicago and Illinois, and all over the nation, after news of Jackson's death broke. But he is also being remembered by his friends and neighbors, and residents of Chicago who knew him as a tireless advocate for their equality and prosperity for more than half a century.

"What he gave to me was hope to keep pressing on," said neighbor Ric Norwood, who stopped by Jackson's home to pay his respects Tuesday morning. "He gave us courage to overcome obstacles and fears, and he gave us love."

He also gave a lot of advice, according to his next door neighbor Oliver Speller. Speller said Jackson was a part of the neighborhood, doing plenty of "normal guy" things like eating barbecue and spending time with the community. His accessibility impacted younger people in the area too.

"For me, I do a lot of community work so I do mentorship for young men of color, so Reverend Jackson actually inspires the work that I do because that's literally what my passion and work is all about," said neighbor Dr. Marlon Haywood. 

People are also gathering at Rainbow PUSH headquarters, leaving flowers, saying prayers and sharing stories, many describing Jackson as a man who made them feel seen and heard. 

Chicago, Illinois politicians remember Rev. Jesse Jackson

Governor JB Pritzker took to social media to honor Jackson, a "giant of the civil rights movement." Pritzker ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in his honor. 

"Rev. Jesse Jackson was a giant of the civil rights movement. He broke down barriers, inspired generations, and kept hope alive. Our state, nation, and world are better due to his years of service. I'm ordering flags to half-mast to honor him. May his memory be a blessing."  

Mayor Brandon Johnson said he is "devastated to lose my mentor and friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr." In a social media post, Johnson shared Jackson's impact on his own family and the influence he had on Chicago. Johnson released the following statement in part:

"In honor of Rev. Jackson's service, and as our city mourns, the Chicago flag will lower to half-staff. We thank all of the Chicagoans who served as volunteers in Rev. Jackson's organization, providing decades of mutual aid throughout Chicago.

We know his message of justice and empowerment reverberated worldwide, as the leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Operation Bread Basket. Reverend Jackson's unwavering courage extends beyond his notable civil rights leadership with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he lent his support to countless humanitarian efforts at home and abroad. Rev. Jackson served as the first executive director of Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) here in Chicago and as an international human rights advocate and spiritual advisor to world leaders."  

Congressman Danny Davis said he is "deeply saddened" by Jacksons' death in a statement: 

"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."  

St. Sabina pastor Father Michael Pfleger shared a photo marching with Jackson in an Instagram post. He joined CBS News Chicago on Tuesday and said, "We lost a great leader...there's nobody like him." 

"He was always there in every fight, Pfleger said on CBS News Chicago. "All these years, he never gave up, he never walked away." 

He shared the following statement: 

"The Lion sleeps. We marched together, were jailed together, stood on the Dan Ryan together and last night I had the gift to pray with him and Mrs J before he left us. We are better because he lived. Welcome Home Rev."

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton shared a photo with Jackson in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. She said in part:

"As a little girl, Rev. Jackson taught me that, "I am somebody." He was a tireless public servant, answering the call to serve through decades of advocacy, bringing the nation closer to liberty and justice for all." 

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said Jackson has impacted his life since he was a child, writing: 

"Rev. Jackson had an impact on my life since I was a young boy, growing up a block away from PUSH headquarters. The words 'I am somebody!' resonated with me, giving hope of what I may one day achieve by way of service to others. As I raised my kids a block away from the PUSH headquarters, I brought them to PUSH when they were young to hear the same words. He was always a strong advocate for Haiti and challenged me to be the same. He never hesitated to call to challenge me, unapologetically, to do better in my service to others. I am a better public servant because of Rev. Jesse Jackson.  Rest, Reverend; you have earned your peace."  

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released a statement, writing in part: 

"Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. was a towering figure whose courage, conviction, and compassion helped shape the course of American history. A trailblazer in civil rights, a voice for justice, and a barrier-breaking presidential candidate, he paved the way for future generations of leaders. His legacy reminds us that progress is possible when we speak truth to power and stand up for what's right. As we mourn his passing, we honor his unwavering commitment and many years of service advocating for civil rights and social justice, and we recommit ourselves to continuing that fight."

Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford released a statement, writing in part: 

"Today, Illinois and the world mourn the loss of one of the greatest champions for justice and human dignity this nation has ever produced. The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. was a moral force, a prophetic voice and a living bridge between the movement that freed us and the work that still remains.

"I had the privilege of working alongside Reverend Jackson. I remember the way he looked you in the eye and made you feel as though the entire weight of the struggle was yours to carry — not as a burden, but as an honor. That encounter never left me. It shaped the kind of public servant I strive to be."

Sen. Willie Preston said, "Our people have lost our reverend," and issued a statement reading in part:

"As a boy his example told me that 'I AM somebody.' When I had the privilege to meet him as a young activist, he encouraged all of us to speak truth to the mighty powers that corrupt and oppress us - and without compromise." 

Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin reflected on Jackson's legacy, calling his memory a "ray of light piercing the darkness." She released the following statement in part:

From marching with Dr. King, to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, to building a national movement elevating Black and Brown Americans through your campaigns, you unfailingly led with courage and initiative. Your memory will be a ray of light piercing the darkness that surrounds us right now as authoritarian drums beat loudly and threaten the civil rights of Americans.    

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released a statement, saying in part:

My dear friend Rev. Jesse Jackson devoted his entire life to fighting for dignity, equality, and opportunity for all. From his transformative organizing and tireless advocacy in Chicago to his leadership on the national stage, his courage and conviction inspired millions and strengthened the civil rights movement across this nation.

"I was honored to work alongside him for many years and witness firsthand his unwavering commitment to justice.  

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon called Jackson a "hero, a champion, a rabble-rouser and a front-row participant to history" in his statement commemorating his passing: 

"The Rev. Jackson was a hero, a champion, a rabble-rouser and a front-row participant to history. He spent his life challenging the status quo, fighting for underdogs and pushing society forward toward justice and equality. We are all indeed better because of his work and commitment. We can honor his legacy by keeping the fight alive and always seeking that better tomorrow. May he forever rest in peace."  

The Cook County Bar Association released a statement saying Jackson "helped shape the moral and legal landscape of our nation."

CBS News Chicago crews went inside WVON radio, where hosts were remembering Jesse Jackson and his legacy. The hosts talked about their memories of Jackson's public service. 

Long known for his activism and political influence, Jackson spent his life dedicated to pursuing civil rights for disenfranchised groups both in the United States and abroad.  

Perhaps the greatest legacy Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. leaves behind is the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, his landmark national service organization focused on social justice and fighting for social change.

Rainbow PUSH was formed in 1996 by Rev. Jackson when he merged two earlier organizations: People United to Serve Humanity, or PUSH, which was founded in 1971 and the Rainbow Coalition, founded in 1984.

Jackson was hospitalized for observation in November, and doctors said he'd been diagnosed with a degenerative condition called progressive supranuclear palsy. He revealed in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which affects the nervous system and slowly restricts movement and daily activities. Jackson called it a "physical challenge," but he refused to let it prevent him from continuing his civil rights advocacy. His father, Noah Lewis Robinson Sr., also had Parkinson's and died of the disease in 1997 at the age of 88.