Jackson passed away on February 17 at 84. This was after facing complications from Parkinson’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. He was a significant figure in the American civil rights movement.

He ran for president twice and founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. His death has had a profound impact beyond Chicago’s South Side, where he lived and worked for over fifty years.

A City Honors One of Its Own

According to reports, the memorial services started Thursday at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in the Kenwood neighborhood. Jackson’s casket was brought in procession from a local funeral home. Members of the public were invited to pay their respects as he lay in repose until Friday.

Lines of Chicagoans formed outside the headquarters, with many pausing silently or offering prayers.

Officials opened the doors to the public at 10 a.m. local time each day, allowing community members, activists, and admirers to take part in the tribute. The site has turned into a living memorial, with flowers, handwritten messages, and photographs piling up near the entrance.

In addition to events in Chicago, memorial services for Jackson will also take place in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina, his birthplace. This is to show his national impact.

Also, a public celebration of Jackson’s life is set for March 6 at the 10,000-seat House of Hope church on Chicago’s South Side. This is followed by private “homegoing” services the next day at Rainbow PUSH headquarters.

Personal Tributes and Public Reflection

Faith leaders, civil rights veterans, and family members have shared personal stories and reflections on Jackson’s influence during these early gatherings. A Saturday morning forum at the coalition’s Kenwood auditorium brought together clergy from across Chicago, who spoke about Jackson’s role in shaping their activism and encouraging community empowerment.

“I still have life in me because I have hope,” said Deborah Cosey-Lane, one attendee who credited Jackson with inspiring her work in labor advocacy. “That hope was instilled because the reverend kept pouring it in,” she told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Rev. Michael Eaddy of the People’s Church of the Harvest called Jackson “my hero … my mentor,” and urged attendees to continue the fight for justice and equity that defined his life’s work.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Inclusion

Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and rose to national prominence in the 1960s as a protege of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He helped lead major civil rights campaigns, including voting rights marches and economic justice initiatives.

His presidential bids in 1984 and 1988 energized the “Rainbow Coalition,” uniting diverse groups from labor unions to minority communities.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker praised Jackson as “a giant” in the civil rights struggle. Flags across multiple U.S. states were flown at half-staff in his honor. Tributes have come in from political leaders, civil rights organizations, and ordinary citizens.

An Unsettling Washington Decision

While memorials continue in Chicago and beyond, House Speaker Mike Johnson denied a request to have Jackson lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. He cited tradition over political considerations, according to congressional officials.

This decision faced criticism from civil rights advocates. They viewed it as a missed opportunity to recognize Jackson’s national contributions.

Despite this setback, Jackson’s family emphasized that the homegoing services, open to all, aim to honor his lifelong message of unity and justice. “Do not bring your politics,” his son, Jesse Jackson Jr., said at a recent public event in Chicago. “Come respectful and come to say thank you.”

Looking Ahead

As the city hosts memorial events, many Chicago residents see this moment as both a farewell and a call to action. “He gave his life to helping people and serving people,” said Demetrice Pearson, a local community leader. “We’ll keep hope alive by serving our community and working for justice.”

Jackson’s memorial in Chicago reinforces the city’s role as a center of civil rights activism, a fitting tribute to one of its most cherished voices.

The post Chicago Hosts Memorial Events to Celebrate Rev. Jesse Jackson appeared first on Black Elites.

Former President Barack Obama shared this plan at the NBA All-Star Game. He confirmed that the center is more than just a museum and archive.

It will feature a full basketball court as part of its amenities. Obama stated, “One thing that it will have is a full-court basketball court. We intend to have all kinds of activities, because sports is an entryway for kids to participate, to build community, to create some joy.”

A Space for Fun, Community and Health

The basketball court will be located in a 60,000-square-foot athletic and events facility called Home Court. This facility will sit on the southwest corner of the Obama Presidential Center campus in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side.

Home Court is designed as a versatile space. It will be used not only for sports but also for community events, conferences, and large events.

According to the Obama Foundation, Home Court includes:

• An NBA-regulation basketball court with intersecting practice courts.
• Flexible seating to support sports programs, community gatherings, and formal events.
• Fitness and training spaces along with multipurpose rooms for community use.

Renderings released by the foundation show a bright gym with a wooden court floor. There is also the Obama Foundation logo at center court, surrounded by glass walls that overlook the campus.

Design, Purpose and Community Impact

The Home Court has a modern and sleek design with its metal exterior and large glass panels. Its inspiration comes from personal and community values. The foundation states that the space reflects Obama’s lifelong love for basketball and a commitment to building community.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, explained that the facility aims to be “a place where people could come for fun, inspiration, and learning. The kind of community spaces we need in an inclusive democracy.”

Jarrett added that the court and related programs are part of a wider range of opportunities that connect local residents to health, wellness, and leadership resources.

Sustainability and Local Collaboration

Home Court also aligns with the Foundation’s sustainability goals. It will be heated and cooled mainly through geothermal energy. This is part of a campus-wide effort to reduce fossil fuel use.

Beyond design and energy, the project has welcomed input from various community partners. They include the YMCA, local youth sports organizations, and after-school programs, to shape future activities and ensure the facility meets local needs.

A Broader Vision Takes Shape

The inclusion of a full basketball court highlights a shift in how we think about presidential libraries. The Obama Presidential Center has been designed from the beginning as a community-focused space instead of a static archive.

The campus will also include a museum, a public library branch, gardens, and educational spaces, all integrated into nearly 20 acres of parkland.

As construction moves into its final phases, with Home Court now structurally complete and interior work in progress, local leaders and residents are closely observing.

Although some discussions about design and costs have occurred since the project began, the addition of a full basketball court emphasizes the center’s mission to blend heritage, civic life, and everyday community engagement.

With the opening day approaching, one thing is clear: the basketball court at the Obama Presidential Center is more than just a physical space. It signifies fun and community connection. It also signifies the promise of a place where people can come together, learn, and grow.

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