Hundreds pay their respects to Rev. Jesse Jackson at lying-in-repose services

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.

Inside the sanctuary, community members gathered with quiet reverence as they viewed Rev. Jesse Jackson, who lied in repose. White flowers, a black and white portrait of Jackson, as well as the U.S., Chicago and Pan-African flags decorated the area near the pulpit.

Attendees were greeted by Jackson’s children, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Rev. Al Sharpton. Live musical selections included a performance of “A Change is Gonna Come” by former members of The Soul Stirrers gospel group.

Outside, hundreds of people were arriving to line up along Drexel Avenue, as recordings of Jackson’s speeches blared from speakers. Among them were people of all generations who said they came to show their gratitude for Jackson and be a part of a historical moment.

Many chanted “I am somebody” and “keep hope alive,” the signature rallying cries of the late reverend.

‘He was a model to follow’

Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton said Thursday’s services were personal.

Sharpton met Jackson at only 12 years old. He said Jackson was his mentor and inspired him to follow in the reverend's footsteps.

“We spent a lifetime together,” Sharpton said outside the Rainbow PUSH headquarters. “I've seen him stand up against adversity.”

“He raised a generation of us,” he added. “And he never gave up, even when he was sick.”

Classmates Gwen Holland and Julius Owens said they remembered when the reverend walked into their high school in 1977 to encourage students to “push for excellence."

Jackson launched the Push for Excellence program in several Chicago high schools in the late 1970s to improve student performance.

Holland and Owens, who were both seniors at Chicago Vocational High School, said they remember Jackson’s “big personality.”

“He was funny. He had a very humorous side, but it was easy to talk with him,” said Holland, 68.

During those visits to the school, Holland recalled Jackson urging parents to “teach your children how to think.” It was a lesson she carried with her into motherhood, passing it down from her children to her grandchildren.

“I will never forget that,” said Holland. “He also used to say ‘I am somebody’ and I know that I’ll remember that I am somebody.”

Owens, 68, said he will remember Jackson as a symbol of peace.

“I admire his leadership and what he tried to do for all people,” he said.

Marjorie Johnson of Roseland said Jackson was an inspiration and she said she would honor his legacy by teaching her children about his efforts for justice and equality.

“Rev. Jackson was not only a part of my community, but he was a big part of my generation's civil rights,” said Johnson, 39.

Johnson said she hoped others will also remember the reverend's accomplishments and it would encourage them to “keep the peace.”

“I’ve heard so many great things about other leaders in the past and I wasn’t there to be a part of those moments that made history,” said Melissa Durham-Richards, 45, of Englewood. “I want to tell my family about what it felt like to help close this chapter.”

Durham-Richards said she volunteered at Rainbow PUSH Coalition, but wishes she had gotten more involved while Jackson was alive.

“He had an assignment,” she said. “He took it on wholeheartedly. That was what’s special about him. He did it gracefully, he did it with integrity. He did it with pride. He was a model to follow. He opened up doors for us.”

Pastor King James Camper, 60, of Richton Park, said Jackson inspired him to go into ministry.

“He wasn’t traditional,” said Camper, who leads Camper's Temple Church of God in Christ, Gary, Ind. “He was connected to the community and the people and he connected religion with current events. It’s more than just seeking God but learning to live in this society and fight for rights with God’s help."

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.