Thousands gathered in Chicago over the weekend to pay their respects to civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., according to a March 13 report. The celebration of life drew notable figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, as well as former First Lady Jill Biden.
The memorial events for Jackson were significant for the city and its residents, reflecting his impact on civil rights and community activism. The ceremonies included speeches from religious leaders such as Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church and musical tributes like Le’Andria Johnson’s performance of “We Shall Overcome.”
Family members also played a central role in honoring Jackson’s legacy. Jacqueline Jackson II was seen comforting Jesse Jackson Jr. during a private homegoing service at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Kenwood. Yusef Jackson was consoled after his father’s casket was placed in the hearse following the service.
In addition to the memorials for Jackson, other major events took place across Chicago. Hundreds marched north on Dearborn Street during International Women’s Day on March 8, with some tension arising when a counter-protester attempted to disrupt the event near Trump Tower but was removed by volunteers. Meanwhile, Reyna Collins spoke at a press conference about displacement concerns near the Obama Center due to landlord neglect.
Other moments captured around the city included Adamn Killa cycling near Montrose Pier on an unseasonably warm day and low-hanging fog enveloping downtown above the Chicago River amid rain and warm weather. In West Town, Olha Sahaidak and her husband Yaroslav stood outside their flower shop after fleeing war in Ukraine.
Chicago also saw developments in education and infrastructure: officials celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new library and Parent University at Collins Academy STEAM High School in North Lawndale, while the Chicago Cubs sought approval to expand parking near Wrigley Field.
