IL SR0637

Illinois Senate memorial resolution honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away on February 17, 2026, recognizing his contributions as a civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and politician

Participated in civil rights activism for over 60 years, including the 1960 Greenville library sit-in and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in Chicago's Kenwood neighborhood and led Operation Breadbasket beginning in 1967, which brought nearly 5,000 jobs to Black communities

Ran for U.S. President in 1984 and 1988, served as D.C. shadow U.S. Senator from 1991-1997, and secured release of captives in Syria, Iraq, and Kosovo through diplomatic efforts

Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton in August 2000 for his dedication to civil rights and public service