Attending the homegoing celebration for Jesse Jackson was both humbling and deeply emotional. Chicago gathered in a way that felt historic — leaders, neighbors, activists, and everyday people came together to honor a man whose voice shaped generations of justice, faith, and possibility.

The service, held at the House of Hope on Chicago’s Far South Side, was more than a funeral. It felt like a living reminder that movements are built by people who believe that service matters.

As I sat reflecting during the ceremony, I realized how many chapters of my own life were influenced by Rev. Jackson. What began for me as a student intern years ago through the Steans Center at DePaul University turned into more than two decades of learning, observing, and growing around a movement that believed deeply in uplifting people.

One moment from my early years with Rev. Jackson came back to me strongly during the service.

As a young college student just trying to find my place, he once looked at me and asked a question that has stayed with me ever since:

“What will you do with the access you’ve been given?”

At the time, I didn’t fully understand the weight of that question. But over the years, I have come to realize that access is not just opportunity — it is responsibility.

A Celebration of a Life That Changed the World

Rev. Jackson’s homegoing brought together an extraordinary gathering of leaders, public servants, artists, and community members — a true reflection of the global impact of his life and work.

The service was officiated by Charles Jenkins and James T. Meeks, both respected faith leaders in Chicago who helped guide the ceremony with grace and reverence.

Tributes were offered by leaders who have been shaped by Rev. Jackson’s legacy, including Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago, and JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois. Their reflections reminded us how deeply Rev. Jackson’s leadership was woven into the political and civic fabric of Chicago and the nation.

National leaders also gathered to pay their respects. Maxine Waters shared powerful words honoring Rev. Jackson’s fearless advocacy for justice and equality. The service was also attended by Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Jill Biden, VP Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton — a reflection of the influence Rev. Jackson had across generations of national leadership.

Music also played a powerful role in the celebration. Chicago’s own Jennifer Hudson delivered a moving performance, and gospel legend Marvin Winans lifted the room in worship, reminding everyone present that Rev. Jackson’s life was deeply rooted in faith.

Stories shared throughout the service reflected the many sides of Rev. Jackson — a civil rights leader, a political pioneer, a mentor, and a man who believed deeply in the power of people coming together for justice.

The Call to Serve

In 2013, I founded Urban Mommy Inc. with a simple but heartfelt mission: to support mothers and children who needed encouragement, resources, and community.

As a mother myself, I understood how overwhelming life can feel when you are trying to care for your family while also holding onto your own dreams. Urban Mommy was created as a space of support — a place where mothers could find encouragement, tools, and community to help them move forward.

Looking back now, I realize that founding Urban Mommy was one way I answered Rev. Jackson’s question.

What will I do with the access I’ve been given?

I will serve.

Lifting Women While Serving Community

Rev. Jackson spent his life reminding us that justice and opportunity must be shared. For me, that message has always included uplifting women — especially women building businesses, raising families, and trying to make a difference in their communities.

So many women are quietly doing the work:

starting businesses, mentoring children, organizing in their neighborhoods, and creating opportunities where none existed before.

We must continue to support and uplift them.

Because when women rise, families rise.

When families rise, communities rise.

Who Will Be the Next Messenger?

During the service, Barack Obama asked a powerful question that echoed throughout the room:

Who will be the next messenger?

That question wasn’t just rhetorical. It was a challenge to all of us.

Movements do not survive because of one leader. They survive because people decide to carry the message forward.

And sometimes that messenger looks like a teacher.

Sometimes it looks like a small business owner.

Sometimes it looks like a mother who simply refuses to give up on her community.

As Jesse Jackson Jr. reminded us during the service:

“Hope can show up in the form of a stranger.”

Sometimes hope is someone offering a helping hand.

Sometimes it is someone opening a door.

Sometimes it is someone simply reminding you that your life and work matter.

Keeping Hope Alive: What We Can Do

Rev. Jackson’s life reminds us that service does not require a title or a stage. Each of us has a role to play.

Here are a few ways we can keep his message alive:

1. Use your access to help others.

If you have knowledge, connections, or opportunities, share them.

2. Support women and community builders.

Invest in the women who are building businesses, nonprofits, and programs that strengthen families.

3. Stay engaged in your community.

Volunteer. Mentor. Organize. Show up.

4. Lead with faith and courage.

Rev. Jackson taught us to keep believing — even when the road is difficult.

5. Never stop believing in hope.

Hope is not passive. It is something we create through action.

A Personal Promise

As I left the service, I found myself reflecting quietly.

Rev. Jackson’s life was a reminder that leadership is not about recognition — it is about commitment.

The commitment to serve.

The commitment to uplift others.

The commitment to keep hope alive.

And so I return to the question he asked me years ago:

What will you do with the access you’ve been given?

My answer remains the same.

I will keep serving.

I will keep building.

And I will continue doing my part to uplift mothers, children, and communities through the work of Urban Mommy Inc.

Because the message must continue.

And now, it is our turn to carry it forward. How will you continue?