Slow inspirational music played from the speakers outside Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Kenwood as Rev. Jesse Jackson’s family procession arrived after 8 a.m. on Thursday morning. The civil rights leader, who died at 84 on Feb. 17, will lie in repose throughout the day at the headquarters of his historic nonprofit.
Color guard members paid respects to Jackson as his casket was removed from a hearse bearing the name Leak & Sons and carried into the building as Jackson’s family followed behind.
The neighborhood was quiet as community members hadn’t yet formed a line to honor the celebrated leader, whose decades-long activism stretched from Chicago’s South Side to Washington, D.C., and beyond.
The public viewing, which runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., is one of several opportunities to pay respects to Jackson. He will lie in repose for a second day on Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Additional services will take place March 2 in South Carolina and March 4 in Washington, D.C.
A “People’s Celebration” will be held March 6 at 10 a.m. at House of Hope in Chicago. Private homegoing services are scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 7 at Rainbow PUSH.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
