Chicago, IL – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a powerful tribute to the late Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. At his funeral in Chicago on Friday, February 23, 2026, remembering him as a “champion of the oppressed” and “one of our own.” The service, held at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition headquarters, drew a large gathering of dignitaries, civil rights leaders, and mourners, including former President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden, and former President Bill Clinton.
Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 82. His decades-long commitment to social justice, economic empowerment, and political activism left an indelible mark on the United States and inspired movements for equality around the globe. Ramaphosa’s presence underscored the international resonance of Jackson’s work, particularly his advocacy against apartheid in South Africa.
Ramaphosa, who arrived in Chicago specifically to deliver the tribute, spoke eloquently about Jackson’s unwavering support for the anti-apartheid struggle. He recalled Jackson’s visits to South Africa, his meetings with anti-apartheid leaders, and his tireless efforts to raise awareness about the injustices of the system. “He stood with us during our darkest days, lending his voice and his influence to our cause,” Ramaphosa stated, according to The Presidency. “He was, in every sense of the word, one of our own.”
The funeral service was a celebration of Jackson’s life and legacy, featuring musical performances, personal reflections from family and friends, and calls to continue his work. Biden, Obama, and Clinton each offered tributes, highlighting Jackson’s impact on their own lives and careers. The BBC reported that Obama spoke of Jackson as a mentor and a friend, acknowledging the complexities of their relationship, including a period of tension in 2008.
That 2008 incident stemmed from Jackson’s off-air comments regarding then-presidential candidate Barack Obama, where he used a racial slur and criticized Obama’s approach to appealing to Black voters. CBS News confirmed that Jackson used the N-word during a break in a TV interview. Jackson subsequently apologized, stating he was deeply saddened by the pain his words had caused. Despite this rift, Obama and Jackson later reconciled and maintained a respectful relationship.
The CNN reported that Jackson had as well called on the entertainment industry to stop using the N-word, demonstrating his consistent stance against the term despite its prevalence in popular culture.
Ramaphosa’s tribute emphasized Jackson’s broader vision of social justice, extending beyond racial equality to encompass economic opportunity and political empowerment for all marginalized communities. He highlighted Jackson’s founding of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition as a testament to his commitment to building bridges across racial and economic divides. The Daily Maverick noted the global impact of Jackson’s work, framing him as a champion for human dignity worldwide.
Recent reports debunked claims circulating online that Jackson’s family had barred former President Obama from attending the funeral. Snopes confirmed that the claim originated on a satirical social media account and was false. A family representative stated unequivocally that Obama was welcome at the service.
As Jackson’s legacy continues to be celebrated, the challenge remains to carry forward his vision of a more just and equitable world. The coming months will likely see renewed calls for action on issues Jackson championed, including voting rights, economic justice, and peace. His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of continued activism.
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