Former Presidents Clinton, Obama and Biden honor late Rev. Jesse Jackson at Friday service

Source: ABC News

March 6, 2026, 1:00 PM


Three former American presidents and a former vice president are honoring the late Rev. Jesse Jackson at a memorial service in Chicago on Friday – a "Celebration of Hope" that is being held by the family of the pioneering civil rights leader, who died on Feb. 17 at the age of 86.

Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris are expected to deliver remarks at the service on Friday, according to the Jackson family. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former first lady Jill Biden are also attending the service. ABC News reached out to representatives for Clinton, Obama, Biden and Harris for further comment.

"Jesse Jackson, Sr. marched beside Martin Luther King, Jr. for civil rights for all people. He traveled the world fighting economic and gender inequity. Until his last days, he fought for better healthcare, education, and peace in Chicago, Illinois, the United States, and beyond," the Jackson family said in a statement on Wednesday. "I hope everyone who joins us to honor his legacy will also continue to champion these causes. That would be the best possible tribute and celebration they could offer."

Friday’s public homegoing service is taking place at the House of Hope event center. A private service will take place on Saturday morning in Chicago.

Read more: https://abcnews.com/US/former-presidents-clinton-obama-biden-honor-late-rev/story?id=130790084