"Battle-worn" is how one Rainbow Push Coalition senior staff member described Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. who, along with his son - now former Representative Jesse Jackson Jr., was noticeably absent from his own Thanksgiving Day brunch honoring veterans. The event comes just one day after Jackson Jr. submitted his resignation amid health issues and a looming federal probe on his campaign funds.
"We congratulate Congressman Jackson on the work that he's done over the 17 years in Congress and now we're concerned that he improve his health and take the time to do that. We were born in crisis, born out of struggle and so we know that our God has not left us and God will continue to lift this family and carry us through," said Janette Wilson, Senior Advisor to Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr.
Each year at Rainbow Push headquarters veterans are served meals on Thanksgiving Day and despite Jackson Jr.'s legal woes, this year was no exception but it was a table topic for some in attendance.
"It's a very sad day for them, they've done a lot, they have a spirit of service and this is about them, they've put this together," said City Treasurer, Stephanie Neely.
"I really offer them a prayer and good wishes - this is a time where we all have trouble in our lives and things happen and I just hope they'll be able to overcome the problems that they have," said James Roberts, a Navy veteran.
Celebrity chefs including Chicago's own Judson Allen greeted and served those who have served the armed forces protecting our freedoms here at home.
"Knowing that my grandfather and my father served for their country and now being able to give back for Thanksgiving to some of the most deserving people is truly an honor," said Allen.
It's the small things that Richard Walker and others are thankful for...
"Being alive, waking up this morning," said Walker, an Army veteran.
In their absence, surely the Jackson family is thankful for their staff's support at time when they need it the most.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:04 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:04:36 GMT
Chicago is at the tipping point, as the showdown continues over CPS closings. The final bell will ring for more than half of the public schools scheduled to close on Friday, under CPS' reorganization plan.
Chicago is at the tipping point, as the showdown continues over CPS closings. The final bell will ring for more than half of the public schools scheduled to close on Friday, under CPS' reorganization plan.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:58 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:58:04 GMT
A body found in the water off the 39th street beach Wednesday has been positively identified as missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, the Cook County Medical Examiner's office confirmed.
A body found in the water off the 39th street beach Wednesday has been positively identified as missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, the Cook County Medical Examiner's office confirmed.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:12 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:12:39 GMT
Police are urging parents and community members to exercise caution after a man tried luring an 11-year-old girl into a car in the North Side Albany Park neighborhood.
Police are urging parents and community members to exercise caution after a man tried luring an 11-year-old girl into a car in the North Side Albany Park neighborhood.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:08 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:08:32 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 1:32 PM EDT2013-06-19 17:32:03 GMT
Nearly 9 percent of Illinois' bridges are "structurally deficient" and in need of serious maintenance or replacement -- an uptick of 1 percent from two years ago, a new report indicates.
Nearly 9 percent of Illinois' bridges are "structurally deficient" and in need of serious maintenance or replacement -- an uptick of 1 percent from two years ago, a new report indicates.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:53 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:53:49 GMT
Police on Tuesday said they are looking for a maroon Hyundai Sonata that fatally struck a woman in a Bridgeport hit-and-run last week on the South Side.
Police on Tuesday said they are looking for a maroon Hyundai Sonata that fatally struck a woman in a Bridgeport hit-and-run last week on the South Side.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:04 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:04:44 GMT
A man previously convicted of sex trafficking in Cook County has been charged again, this time for allegedly kidnapping a Minnesota woman and bringing her to Chicago to work in the sex trade.
A man previously convicted of sex trafficking in Cook County has been charged again, this time for allegedly kidnapping a Minnesota woman and bringing her to Chicago to work in the sex trade.
