*Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden will attend the public funeral of Rev. Jesse Jackson on Friday in Chicago. Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are also expected, according to a Jackson family spokesperson.
The service, titled “The People’s Celebration,” will be held at the House of Hope at 752 E. 114th St. on Chicago’s Far South Side. Doors open at 9 a.m., and services begin at 11 a.m., CBS News reports. General admission seating is available, and no tickets are required.
Dr. Charles Jenkins and Rev. James T. Meeks will lead the service. Other speakers include Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters and Chicago Cubs owner Tim Ricketts.
The event will feature performances by Jennifer Hudson, Bebe Winans, and Pastor Marvin Winans. Jenkins and Pastor Charlie Dates, who knew Jackson personally, highlighted the emotional impact of the service. “It’s going to be a few hours of power-packed hope and magic. You’d almost be able to touch it,” Dates said. Jenkins added, “You’re going to feel the spirit. You’re going to be inspired, uplifted.”
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Dates encouraged attendees to be present in person: “Come. Don’t let this just be a moment you watch on television or stream. We will never have another moment to celebrate such a world-changing leader like this one.”
A private celebration of life will follow Saturday at Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters for invited guests only.
CBS News Chicago will provide live coverage Friday, March 6, starting at 10 a.m. CT, with the service beginning at 11 a.m., and will also cover Saturday’s private event. Coverage is available online via CBS News Chicago 24/7, the YouTube channel, and mobile devices.
Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away on February 17 at 84 from progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological degenerative condition.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Dies at 84
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