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Jesse Jackson Sr. honored at South Carolina Statehouse following death

Feb 24, 2026, 12:52 AM20
(Update: Feb 24, 2026, 12:52 AM)
state of the United States of America
American Baptist minister, activist, and politician

Jesse Jackson Sr. honored at South Carolina Statehouse following death

  • The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. passed away on February 17 after a lengthy battle with a neurological disorder.
  • His body will lie in state at the South Carolina Statehouse next Monday, reflecting his contributions to the civil rights movement.
  • Jackson's legacy will be celebrated through memorial services in Chicago and renaming a portion of street in his honor.
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In the United States, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a renowned civil rights leader, passed away on February 17 at the age of 84 after a prolonged struggle with a rare neurological disorder that impacted his mobility and speech. Jackson was a crucial figure in the civil rights movement since his teenage years when he began advocating for social justice by pushing for the integration of public facilities in Greenville, South Carolina, where he was born. His activism was influenced significantly by his mentorship under Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and he played a pivotal role in many key events, including the voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama. Following his death, Jackson's body will be lying in state at the South Carolina Statehouse on Monday, an event announced by Governor Henry McMaster. This memorial recognizes Jackson's contributions to civil rights, beginning in high school where he led a protest for library access alongside friends. In the week of his passing, Jackson was honored at his Chicago headquarters with memorial services set for March 6 and 7. These gatherings will include a public service at the House of Hope, a significant venue for community events, and private homegoing services live-streamed for wider viewing. Jackson's legacy is marked by numerous achievements, including his campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. His relentless advocacy continued throughout his life, most notably his calls for racial equality and justice in Greenville. He was instrumental in pushing local government to acknowledge Martin Luther King Jr. Day, supporting its designation as a federal holiday in 2003, and advocating for the removal of the Confederate flag from state grounds in 2015 after a tragic racially motivated shooting at a church. These initiatives highlight his commitment to civil rights and social justice throughout his life and career. As South Carolina prepares to honor his life, a portion of Haynie Street, where he was born, will also be renamed in his honor, ensuring that his legacy as a pioneer of civil rights remains firmly rooted in his hometown. Jackson's life and work continue to inspire future generations to fight for equality and justice in society.

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