Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in state at South Carolina Statehouse

Civil rights leader's body will be on display for public viewing in Columbia

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The body of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson will lie in state at the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, allowing the public to pay their respects to the longtime activist and former presidential candidate. Jackson, who founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, passed away on March 1, 2026 at the age of 84.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and continuing the fight for racial equality and social justice for decades after King's assassination. His death marks the end of an era, and his lying in state at the South Carolina Statehouse is a testament to the immense impact he had on the state, the region, and the nation.

The details

Jackson's body will be on display at the South Carolina Statehouse for public viewing on March 3-4, 2026. State officials and civil rights leaders from across the country are expected to attend memorial services honoring Jackson's life and legacy. The public will be able to file past Jackson's casket and pay their respects during the two-day event.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away on March 1, 2026.
  • Jackson's body will lie in state at the South Carolina Statehouse on March 3-4, 2026.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and continued the fight for racial equality and social justice for decades after King's assassination. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy as a tireless advocate for civil rights and social justice will be honored with a rare lying in state ceremony at the South Carolina Statehouse, underscoring his immense impact on the state, the region, and the nation.