The City of Chicago is preparing for the funeral services of Reverend Jesse Jackson, which will take place on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), along with the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Chicago Fire Department (CFD), and other agencies, are coordinating efforts to ensure public safety during these events.
Authorities have announced that street closures will occur intermittently in areas surrounding the services. There may be impacts on traffic, public transportation, and pedestrian movement. OEMC and CPD will monitor citywide events and coordinate resources as necessary.
The Public Homegoing service for Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. will be held at House of Hope with open general admission seating. Early arrival is recommended due to expected attendance. Security measures include checks with metal detectors or magnetometers, and guests are advised to bring only small bags such as clutches or fanny packs. Prohibited items include lighters, weapons, signage, and any objects that could disrupt the service.
On Saturday, March 7, a Celebration of Life event will take place at Rainbow/PUSH Headquarters under similar security protocols. Both events will be livestreamed at www.JesseJacksonLegacy.com for those unable to attend in person.
Parking near the venues is very limited; attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or rideshare options. Additional information about transit options can be found through CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.
Officials remind attendees: “If You See Something, Say Something.” OEMC encourages people to stay aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1.
To support community preparedness during large gatherings like these services, OEMC provides public education programs and volunteer training initiatives focused on severe weather readiness according to its official website https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html. The agency also protects life and property through incident management, event coordination, communications systems operation, and technological support designed to strengthen city services https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html.
Residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App for real-time safety information including emergency alerts and weather updates. OEMC maintains an all-hazard alert warning system using a single audible tone for emergency notifications https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html.
OEMC’s operations extend across the city for managing emergencies or major events https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html. The department collaborates with federal partners like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as well as state agencies such as Illinois Emergency Management Agency for coordinated responses https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html.
Additional details can be found by visiting Chicago.gov/OEMC or following OEMC on social media platforms including Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).
For non-emergency support related to these events or other city services—including 3-1-1 assistance—residents can access more information through OEMC’s official site https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html.
