Overview
- Thousands gathered at the 10,000‑seat House of Hope on Chicago’s South Side for “The People’s Celebration,” the largest public memorial for Jackson.
- Former Presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Bill Clinton attended and were scheduled to speak, with former Vice President Kamala Harris also listed as a speaker.
- Guests included Jill Biden, Hillary Clinton, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other civic, faith and cultural leaders, with performances by Jennifer Hudson and gospel artists BeBe and Marvin Winans.
- Local authorities managed heavy turnout with street closures and security around the venue as major outlets provided live coverage and livestreams of the service.
- Plans for a Washington ceremony were shelved after House Speaker Mike Johnson denied a request for Jackson to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol, and a procession to Oak Woods Cemetery is planned after Saturday’s service.