Chicagoans of all generations said they felt a responsibility to pay homage to the Rev. Jesse Jackson, as he lay in repose at Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Kenwood Thursday. The inspiration they found in the leader was rooted in personal memories of meeting him, stories they heard from family members or his reputation as a freedom fighter.Many said they inspired them to strive for excellence and give back by pursuing higher education or service-based careers. Read what they shared about the civil rights giant below. Gwen Holland (left) and Julius Owens were classmates together when the Rev. Jesse Jackson walked into their high school in 1977 and encouraged students to “push for excellence.” They were among the hundreds who came to pay their respects to the civil rights leader Thursday.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times Gwen Holland and Julius Owens“He also used to say ‘I am somebody,’ and I know that I’ll remember that I am somebody," Holland said. Roseland resident Marjorie Johnson attends the lying-in-state services for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times Marjorie Johnson“Rev. Jackson was not only a part of my community, but he was a big part of my generation's civil rights." Pastor King James Camper attends the lying-in-state services for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times Pastor King James Camper“He was connected to the community and the people, and he connected religion with current events. It’s more than just seeking God but learning to live in this society and fight for rights with God’s help." Melissa Durham-Richards attends the lying-in-state services for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow PUSH headquarters, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times Melissa Durham-Richards“I’ve heard so many great things about other leaders in the past, and I wasn’t there to be a part of those moments that made history. I want to tell my family about what it felt like to help close this chapter.” Jennifer Edwards (left) and Taliva Tillman attend the lying-in-repose services of the Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow PUSH headquarters, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times Jennifer Edwards and Taliva Tillman“He said, ‘Once you get there, don't forget to look back and bring somebody with you.' And that was always our motto, to help somebody along the way," Edwards said. Patricia Jennings-Gary attends the lying-in-repose services of the Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow PUSH headquarters, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times Patricia Jennings-Gary“He was always saying, ‘No matter how you start, that doesn't mean that's how you have to finish.' You might have been born poor, but that doesn't mean your life has to continue that way.” Diane Moore-Cottrell, 69, of Homewood, was among attendees paying respects during Rev. Jesse Jackson’s lying-in-repose service at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Kenwood on Feb. 26.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times Diane Moore-Cottrell“I want [young people] to get out and vote and to understand what he did for Black people. It really is the steppingstone to getting somewhere, to learn what it meant during the civil rights era, and about the forefathers that came before us and laid the foundation so that they can do anything.” Chicagoan Willie Kelley, 67, is pictured outside of Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters during Rev. Jesse Jackson’s lying-in-repose service on Feb. 26. He said visiting Jackson was “just something I had to do.”Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times Willie Kelley“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Rev. Jesse Jackson, for all the great things that he's done for us as a race of people, and how he fought. It wasn't just for Black people; he stood for everybody.” Lifelong Chicagoan Clarence Irby arrives Thursday to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters to pay his respects to Rev. Jesse Jackson. Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times Clarence Irby“He showed me the difference between people just advocating and talking as opposed to getting tangible, concrete things done. I don’t think there will be anyone else in my lifetime to get this outpouring of respect.”Contributing: Violet Miller ...read more read less