Former Democratic Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton plan to attend a Friday service honoring civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson at Chicago’s House of Hope.
The Jackson family invited five presidents, including Donald Trump and George W. Bush, to services honoring Jackson, who died at age 84 on Feb. 17. Biden, Obama and Clinton are confirmed to appear, according to a source with direct knowledge of the planning. Former First Lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are also attending, according to organizers. It’s unclear whether Bush or Trump plan to attend.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who visited Jackson in January, was also invited to the service, although it’s unclear whether she will attend.
The U.S. Secret Service has already conducted a security sweep, anticipating presidents to be at the House of Hope for the service. The event is likely to be the largest and most star-studded among the week’s worth of events. The Rev. Charles Jenkins and the Rev. James Meeks will co-officiate the public funeral service. Singer Jennifer Hudson, gospel artists Bebe Winans and Pastor Marvin Winans are scheduled to perform. Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker will also speak.
On Monday, South Carolina sent Jackson off with high honors beneath its copper-domed statehouse. Draped in a flag, Jackson’s casket proceeded around the Capitol on a horse-drawn carriage, his children following on foot.
Thousands gathered at Rainbow PUSH headquarters last week to pay their respects to Jackson. The family procession arrived after 8 a.m. As the morning wore on, hundreds were lined up. Johnson and the Rev. Al Sharpton paid their respects Thursday.
Relatives of Jackson have said “all are welcome,” to services, regardless of political party.
Jackson had been in declining health for a decade. In 2017 he announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years earlier, but last April he revealed it actually was misdiagnosed progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder. He stepped down as president of PUSH in July 2023, citing health concerns.
The family will livestream all services at JesseJacksonLegacy.com. Private homegoing services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Rainbow PUSH. Doors open at 8 a.m., and capacity is limited.
