Biden, Obama, Clinton attend Jesse Jackson's memorial service

Along with the former presidents, former Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to speak

Published: March 6, 2026 12:56pm

Former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton are scheduled to speak at civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson's memorial service Friday in Chicago.

The service is at the House of Hope, a megachurch on Chicago's South Side, NPR reported. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is also scheduled to speak.

Singers Jennifer Hudson, BeBe Winans, and Pastor Marvin Winans will perform at the service, which began at noon Eastern time.

President Trump will not attend the service due to his schedule and ongoing events, a White House official said, Newsmax reported.

"Rev. Jackson will be remembered for his oratory prowess, but in Chicago we knew him as a brilliant strategist, master negotiator, and organizing savant," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said, who is also set to speak at the service.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Rev. Al Sharpton, and former NBA star Isiah Thomas are also scheduled speakers.

The service, and another private service on Saturday, will be officiated by Pastor Charles Jenkins and Rev. James T. Meeks.

Former first ladies Jill Biden and Hillary Clinton, who also served as secretary of state under Obama, are expected to attend the service, organizers said.

Jackson died last month at age 84.

Memorial events for Jackson started in Chicago last week, drawing elected officials, advocates, and community members.

Also, Jackson's body was lying in state in the South Carolina Capitol on Monday, the state where he was born.

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