Columbia, S.C. – The Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, returned to his home state of South Carolina on Monday to lie in state at the State House. The honor, a rare distinction, marks a final tribute to a life dedicated to fighting for equality and justice, a stark contrast to the segregated Greenville, South Carolina, of his youth where opportunities were sharply divided by race.
Jackson’s journey from a young boy facing systemic discrimination to a nationally recognized leader is a testament to his unwavering commitment to social change. In 1960, he and six other Black high school students bravely integrated the whites-only branch of the Greenville Public Library, sitting in silent protest until their arrest. This act of defiance, a pivotal moment in his early activism, foreshadowed a lifetime spent challenging the status quo and demanding a more equitable society. The library branches temporarily closed following the protest, eventually reopening to all.
The casket of the civil rights icon, draped in an American flag, arrived at the South Carolina State House on a horse-drawn caisson Monday morning. A special honor guard of the Highway Patrol escorted Jackson inside, where over 100 people had already gathered under the rotunda to pay their respects. Democratic state congressman Jermaine Johnson, who led the ceremony, stated, “Today we’re here to celebrate a life well lived, a job well done.” The service opened with a powerful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a hymn deeply rooted in the Black experience and a symbol of hope and resilience.
A Legacy Forged in the Civil Rights Struggle
Born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson’s path was irrevocably shaped by the pervasive segregation of the Jim Crow South. According to his biography on Wikipedia, he initially attended the University of Illinois on a football scholarship before transferring to North Carolina State University, where he met his future wife, Jacqueline Lavinia Brown. It was during his college years that Jackson became deeply involved in the burgeoning civil rights movement, eventually joining forces with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And participating in the historic Selma to Montgomery voting rights march.
Jackson’s activism extended beyond marches and protests. He founded organizations that ultimately merged to form the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, a powerful advocacy group that championed the rights of the poor, marginalized, and underrepresented. He became a vocal advocate for voting rights, job opportunities, education, and healthcare, consistently pushing for policies that would uplift communities across the nation.
Presidential Aspirations and International Impact
In the 1980s, Jackson expanded his influence onto the national political stage, launching presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. Although he did not secure the Democratic nomination, his campaigns were groundbreaking, bringing issues of racial and economic justice to the forefront of the national conversation. He garnered significant support, finishing third in the 1984 Democratic primary behind Walter Mondale and Gary Hart.
Jackson’s impact extended beyond domestic policy. He became a prominent figure in international diplomacy, undertaking missions to secure the release of hostages and advocating for peace and human rights around the globe. The Guardian reported that he was considered a “global hero” for his tireless efforts to promote justice and equality worldwide.
Returning Home to South Carolina
The current honors in South Carolina are part of a two-week series of events commemorating Jackson’s life and legacy. Services began last week with a public viewing at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago. Following the service in Columbia, Jackson will be returned to Chicago for a large celebration of life at a megachurch and final homegoing services at Rainbow PUSH headquarters. A planned service in Washington D.C. Has been postponed to a later date.
Throughout his career, Jackson remained deeply connected to his home state, advocating for policies that would benefit South Carolinians. In 2003, he pushed for Greenville County to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday. In 2015, he was a leading voice in calling for the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House grounds following the tragic shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, where nine Black worshippers were killed.
A Historic Honor
Jackson is only the second Black man to lie in state at the South Carolina Capitol. State Senator Clementa Pinckney, one of the victims of the Charleston church shooting, received the same honor in 2015. This recognition underscores the profound impact Jackson had on the state and the nation, and his enduring legacy as a champion of civil rights and social justice.
Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84, after battling a rare neurological disorder that impacted his mobility and speech in his later years. His death marked the finish of an era, but his message of hope, equality, and empowerment continues to resonate.
The public will be invited to pay their respects at the South Carolina State House following the ceremony. Details regarding public viewing hours can be found on the South Carolina State House website.
As the nation mourns the loss of Jesse Jackson, his life’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the importance of continuing to fight for a more equitable world. The final services will be held in Chicago next week, marking the culmination of a life dedicated to service and advocacy.
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