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South Carolina to Honor Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. at State Capitol
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., whose lifelong crusade for civil rights began in his home state of South Carolina, will receive a distinguished honor in the place where his journey started. Jackson’s body will lie in state next Monday at the South Carolina Statehouse, Governor Henry McMaster announced, with further details to be released in the coming days.
Jackson died on February 17 at the age of 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that progressively limited his mobility and speech. His death marks the loss of one of America’s most prominent civil rights leaders and political activists of the past half-century.
A series of memorial events will commemorate Jackson’s life and legacy across multiple cities. His body will first lie in repose this week at the Chicago headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the civil rights organization he founded. Following ceremonies in South Carolina, memorial events will continue in Washington, D.C. A public service is scheduled for March 6 at Chicago’s House of Hope, a 10,000-seat church, with private homegoing services the next day at Rainbow PUSH headquarters that will be livestreamed for the public.
Born in 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson grew up in a modest home on Haynie Street just outside downtown. In recognition of his contributions, a portion of that street will be renamed in his honor. His activism began during his high school years at segregated Sterling High School, where he was the quarterback of the football team.
In 1960, Jackson led seven fellow Black classmates in a pivotal act of civil disobedience that would foreshadow his future as an activist. The group entered the whites-only public library in Greenville, sat down, and began reading books and magazines. They continued until authorities arrested them. This early protest marked the beginning of Jackson’s decades-long commitment to fighting racial inequality.
Jackson’s civil rights work accelerated when he became a protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He joined King during the historic 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, a watershed moment in the civil rights movement that helped lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act.
Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Jackson’s national profile continued to rise as he advocated for economic justice and political representation for Black Americans. He made history with his campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, breaking ground as one of the most successful Black presidential candidates in U.S. history and helping to inspire future generations of Black political leaders.
Even as his national and international work expanded, Jackson maintained deep connections to his home state. In 2003, he pushed for Greenville County to formally recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday. Following the tragic 2015 racist shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston that claimed nine Black lives, Jackson was among the prominent voices advocating for the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Statehouse grounds—a goal that was finally achieved in the aftermath of the massacre.
Jackson’s lying in state at the South Carolina Capitol represents a significant recognition in a state that has often grappled with its racial history. The honor acknowledges Jackson’s profound impact on the civil rights movement and American politics over more than six decades of activism.
As preparations continue for the memorials across multiple cities, Jackson’s legacy as a tireless advocate for voting rights, economic opportunity, and racial equality remains firmly established in American history. From his early protests in Greenville to his presidential campaigns and international diplomacy, Jesse Jackson Sr.’s journey from a segregated South Carolina to the national stage embodies a crucial chapter in America’s ongoing struggle for civil rights.
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9 Comments
Lying in state at the South Carolina Statehouse is a fitting tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson’s life and legacy. His voice and vision were instrumental in advancing the cause of racial justice in America.
Indeed. This moment allows the public to pay their respects and reflect on the profound impact of Rev. Jackson’s activism and his enduring influence on the ongoing fight for equality.
Rev. Jesse Jackson’s unwavering commitment to civil rights and social justice has left an indelible mark on this country. Honoring him with this distinguished tribute is a meaningful way to commemorate his life’s work.
Honoring Rev. Jesse Jackson’s enduring legacy is a fitting tribute to a true civil rights icon. His lifelong dedication to equality and justice has left an indelible mark on America.
Rev. Jackson’s passing is a profound loss, but his inspiring work will continue to guide the ongoing fight for racial equity and social justice. Lying in state at the South Carolina Statehouse is a powerful gesture.
Agreed. This is an opportunity for the state and nation to reflect on Rev. Jackson’s pivotal role in the civil rights movement and his lasting impact on the pursuit of equality.
It’s heartening to see South Carolina honoring one of its most influential native sons. Rev. Jackson’s tireless advocacy and moral leadership left an indelible mark on the struggle for civil rights.
As a prominent civil rights leader, Rev. Jesse Jackson deserves this profound honor of lying in state in his home state of South Carolina. His tireless efforts to advance racial equality and social justice will continue to inspire generations to come.
The decision to have Rev. Jesse Jackson’s body lie in state at the South Carolina Statehouse is a powerful gesture that recognizes his immense contributions to the civil rights movement. This is a fitting way to celebrate his legacy.