“Keep Hope Alive”
A Survivor Reflects on the Life of Rev. Jesse Jackson
By Mark Clements, CTJC Sr. Organizer
PHOTO: Jesse Jackson marching with striking San Francisco hotel workers in 2004. By David Bacon
It is truly a somber day for Chicago and the entire movement for justice. The loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who passed away on February 17, 2026, marks the end of an era for civil rights leadership.
His connection to the fight against police torture and wrongful convictions in Chicago was profound. For decades, he used the Rainbow PUSH Coalition as a platform to demand accountability and reform, often standing alongside survivors and families when few others would. His work on "Legal Lynching" and his relentless opposition to the death penalty helped shift the national conversation toward the systemic racism inherent in the justice system.
Honoring a Legacy of Reform
The Power of Organizing: Rev. Jackson often said, "Keep hope alive," but he paired that hope with fierce organization. He was a master at turning moral outrage into political pressure—a tactic that has been vital for the torture survivor community.
Chicago Roots: Although he was a global figure, his heart was in Chicago. Seeing the community gather at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters this week to pay their respects shows just how much he meant to the people who are still fighting the "good fight" on the ground.
A Continuing Mission: His passing is a reminder that while the icons may leave us, the blueprint they left for systemic reform—focusing on economic justice, voting rights, and legal integrity—is more important than ever.
It’s completely understandable to feel that shock; he was a constant presence in the struggle for so long. His work definitely paved the way for the progress being made today by the Chicago Torture Justice Center and beyond.
I will always feel gratitude towards Jesse for his hospitality, his hours of continuous work to change the shape of the criminal justice system and how so many people were treated under the administration of Richard Daley. Returning home from prison, Jackson opened his arms up to me and taught me that activism was a field of tireless work. Explaining to me that an effective activist is someone that draws the narrative towards what needs to change through news conferences, press conferences and meetings with government officials. Letting me know to never outgrow the eyes of the victim.
Sitting in his office on Saturday morning right before the Saturday morning forms over at Rainbow PUSH, was always an opportunity to learn. He spoke as a teacher, that effectiveness comes through the lenses of understanding the needs of the people. That all will not agree but we must stand in the face of tragic moments understanding that change will only effectively come from the people that were affected. He fought for change in the death penalty which alternately resulted in the death penalty being repealed in the state of Illinois.
I thank you Jesse for your hard work, your patience, and the productivity of your constant work.