CHICAGO CITY HALL (WBBM Newsradio) -- Chicago leaders paused to remember the Rev. Jesse Jackson during a meeting of the City Council.
Wednesday's meeting of aldermen was the first since Tuesday's announcement of the death of Rev. Jackson at the age of 84. Flags across the city have been lowered to half-staff, and workers draped purple and black bunting over the LaSalle Street entrance to City Hall Wednesday morning.
Rev. Dr. Nicholas Pearce from Crosstown Community Church in the West Loop set an early tone of remembrance during his invocation with several references to the words of Rev. Jackson: "May this chamber today take actions that inspire our citizens to keep hope alive."
Mayor Brandon Johnson offered condolences to family members of the civil rights icon, who he called a friend and mentor.
"As an organizer and at a time in which I was campaigning, I could always count on him for advice, prayers and words of encouragement," the mayor told aldermen during his tribute. "His wisdom and guidance had a profound impact on me and my family ... Our city owes Reverend Jackson a debt of gratitude."
Mayor Johnson also praised the Rev. Jackson's fundraising for colleges, and his drive to register new voters during his two history-making runs for President in the 80s.
"Rev. Jackson worked toward equality for decades and decades, and still his impact will live on," he continued. "Rev. Jackson spent his life lifting others because in his words, we all are somebody."
He then led the council in a standing moment of silence.
Aldermen are expected to add their own tributes to Rev. Jackson at next month's City Council meeting.