As we mourn the passing of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Chicago finds itself at the center of a moment of reflection. With at least three former Presidents traveling here for his funeral and memorial services, it is clear that Reverend Jackson’s influence reached far beyond our city. His voice and work resonated not only across Chicago, but across the nation and the world.

I had the privilege of interacting with Reverend Jackson regularly when I served as General Counsel for the State of Illinois. One of the responsibilities of our office was reviewing petitions for clemency and pardons before they were presented to the Governor. Reverend Jackson cared deeply about those cases. He believed firmly in redemption, forgiveness, and the power of second chances.

He would often come to our office personally to discuss pending pardon petitions and the broader principle behind them. What struck me most was that he never allowed his stature, celebrity, or global reputation to create distance between himself and the people he was trying to help. Whether advocating for someone seeking clemency or speaking about justice more broadly, he approached the work with humility and persistence.

Those meetings left a lasting impression on me. They were a reminder that public service is ultimately about people—especially those who have stumbled and are trying to find their way back. Reverend Jackson believed deeply that society must never lose faith in redemption and the possibility of a better path forward.

I think often about that lesson. The more opportunity and recognition one may receive in life, the greater the obligation to use those gifts to help others. Reverend Jackson lived that principle every day.

In a prayer by John Henry Newman, he wrote about living in such a way that our lives quietly reflect something greater than ourselves so that through our actions we might, in his words, “make gentle the life of the world.” Reverend Jackson spent his life doing just that: lifting others, opening doors of opportunity, and reminding us that justice must always be accompanied by mercy.

Rest in peace, Reverend Jackson, and thank you for reminding a young lawyer that the purpose of leadership and of government is to help others, especially those in need of opportunity, forgiveness, and a second chance.

Bill Quinlan

Founder, Leading a Better Chicago