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The nation continues to mourn the loss of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a two-time presidential candidate. One day after his passing on Tuesday, February 17, Jackson’s children held a press conference in Chicago, the city he long called home, to share memories and details surrounding his upcoming homegoing service. The family’s reflections painted a portrait of a man deeply committed to public service, social justice, and, above all, fatherhood.

Speaking outside the family home in the South Shore neighborhood, Yusef, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Santita, and Ashley Jackson spoke with emotion about their father’s enduring legacy. They announced that a homegoing service is scheduled for February 28, and emphasized that it will be open to people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation. This reflects Jackson’s lifelong dedication to bridging divides and fostering unity, a sentiment echoed by his children.

“Our father is a man who dedicated his life to public service to gain, protect, and defend civil rights and human rights to make our nation better, to make the world more just, our people better neighbors with each other,” Yusef Jackson stated. His sister, Santita, the eldest child, highlighted his devotion to family, saying, “He took fatherhood remarkably seriously. It was his charge to keep.” The siblings shared anecdotes illustrating his profound impact and what they believe he would desire others to continue doing in his absence.

Jesse Jackson Jr. Offered a particularly poignant moment, recounting his father’s final moments. “I woke up at about 12:35 a.m., I heard a gasp, and that gasp was my father’s final breath,” he shared, visibly moved. This intimate detail underscored the deep personal loss felt by the family and the nation.

A Service Open to All

The Jackson family emphasized the inclusive nature of the upcoming homegoing service. Jesse Jr. Explained that all are welcome to pay their respects, regardless of their political beliefs. “Come respectful and come to say thank you,” he said. “But these homegoing services are welcome to all: Democrat, Republican, liberal, and conservative. Right wing, left wing—because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American.” This sentiment underscores Jackson’s commitment to unity and his belief in the power of dialogue across ideological divides.

The family’s announcement of Reverend Jackson’s passing on Tuesday morning prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders across the political spectrum, including former Presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Bill Clinton. WISN reported on Jackson’s reflections on race and leadership in a 1988 interview, highlighting his lifelong dedication to social justice. His influence extended beyond the political arena, impacting countless lives through his advocacy for civil rights and economic equality.

Jackson’s Legacy of Activism and Political Engagement

Reverend Jackson’s career was marked by a relentless pursuit of social justice. He was a close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. And played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. According to Wikipedia, his 1988 presidential campaign, while ultimately unsuccessful, significantly exceeded expectations, prompting observers to call it “the Year of Jackson.” He challenged the status quo and brought issues of poverty and racial inequality to the forefront of national discourse.

Beyond his presidential bids, Jackson remained a vocal advocate for marginalized communities. In 1988, he famously rallied with workers at a Chrysler plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin, protesting its closure, comparing their struggle to the civil rights movement in Selma, Alabama. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel details Jackson’s numerous visits to Wisconsin throughout his career, demonstrating his commitment to engaging with local communities and addressing their concerns.

As the nation reflects on the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, his family’s call for unity and continued dedication to social justice serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring impact. The February 28th homegoing service promises to be a celebration of a life dedicated to service and a testament to the transformative power of hope.

The coming weeks will undoubtedly see further tributes and analyses of Jackson’s contributions to American society. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of activists and leaders to strive for a more just and equitable world. Share your memories of Reverend Jackson and his impact on your life in the comments below.

Former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police confirmed. The arrest came after an investigation into claims that he shared confidential government information with the late Jeffrey Epstein, as revealed in recently released U.S. Justice Department files.

The 66-year-vintage was taken into custody from his residence in Norfolk, eastern England, with searches likewise conducted at addresses in Berkshire, according to police. Authorities have not named the arrested individual, citing standard procedure, but the timing and details align with Mountbatten-Windsor’s situation.

The investigation centers on allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor, whereas serving as a British trade envoy, passed on official reports detailing investment opportunities to Epstein in 2010. Emails released by the Justice Department display the former prince forwarded confidential briefs on visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam to Epstein shortly after receiving them. One email exchange also appears to show Mountbatten-Windsor sharing a “confidential brief” on potential investment opportunities in Afghanistan.

King Charles III issued a statement acknowledging the arrest and affirming his support for a “full, fair and proper process.” “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,” Charles said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace. “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”

The arrest follows a period of intense scrutiny surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein. Buckingham Palace previously stated it would cooperate with any police inquiry. Last week, a spokesperson said the King had expressed “profound concern” over the allegations.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the principle of equality under the law when asked about the arrest. “I think that’s a matter for the police, they will conduct their own investigations, but one of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law,” Starmer said in an interview with BBC News.

The developments come after the anti-monarchy group Republic called for a formal investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor’s actions as a trade official, following the release of the Epstein files. The files also contained a draft email appearing to confirm the authenticity of a photograph previously questioned by Mountbatten-Windsor, showing him with Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles last year amid accusations by Giuffre that she was trafficked to engage in sex with him when she was underage. He denied the allegations but reached a settlement with Giuffre in 2022, reportedly paying around $16 million. Giuffre’s siblings released a statement following the arrest, stating, “At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.” They added, “Virginia did this for you.”

The Thames Valley Police investigation remains ongoing, and Mountbatten-Windsor remains in custody. The force has not indicated when further information will be released.