Illinois, Chicago to Fly Flags at Half-Staff After Rev. Jesse Jackson's Death

Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson order flags lowered to honor the civil rights leader who died at 84.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have ordered public buildings across the state and city to fly flags at half-staff in honor of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away at the age of 84. Jackson was a prominent civil rights leader who rose from an organizer in Chicago to become a national figure in the movement, continuing the work of his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, championing racial equality and social justice for decades. His death marks the passing of a historic leader who played a crucial role in advancing the cause of racial justice and empowering the Black community in Chicago and across the country.

The details

Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson's orders to fly flags at half-staff are part of a broader outpouring of tributes and remembrances from political leaders in Illinois honoring Jackson's legacy. Jackson stepped down as president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in 2023 due to his battle with Parkinson's disease, but continued advocating for social causes like Black Lives Matter until his death. His sons, Jonathan Jackson and Jesse Jackson Jr., are both running for U.S. Congress, seeking to carry on his political legacy.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson died on February 17, 2026 at the age of 84.
  • Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson ordered flags lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who ordered public buildings in the state to fly flags at half-staff in honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Brandon Johnson

The Mayor of Chicago who ordered flags in the city to be lowered to half-staff to commemorate Rev. Jesse Jackson's passing.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader who rose from an organizer in Chicago to become a national figure in the movement, continuing the work of his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Jonathan Jackson

The son of Rev. Jesse Jackson who is running for U.S. Congress to hold onto his father's seat in the 1st District.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

The son of Rev. Jesse Jackson who is running for U.S. Congress to return to power in the 2nd District after resigning in 2012 under political scandal.

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What they’re saying

“Rev. Jesse Jackson was a giant of the civil rights movement. He broke down barriers, inspired generations, and kept hope alive. Our state, nation, and world are better due to his years of service. I'm ordering flags to half-mast to honor him. May his memory be a blessing.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (X)

“Rev. Jackson's mission always centered the strength and liberation of our Black community, but his mission always extended to all who needed empowerment by cultivating a rainbow of power that could shine through every storm. I ask you to anchor your hope in action to honor Rev. Jackson's enduring contributions. He believed in you, and found hope in humanity. Do something today to keep hope alive.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago (X)

“Words are inadequate to fully capture the essence of this man—iconic leader, unapologetic champion for the downtrodden, and vulnerable, barrier breaker, diplomat and strategist extraordinaire. Never to be forgotten, you have earned your well deserved rest in the bosom of the angels.”

— Lori Lightfoot, Former Mayor of Chicago (X)

“Whether it was in the White House or Chicago City Hall, I never knew Jesse to walk into a room simply to be welcomed — he walked in to make sure others would be welcomed after him. Ours was a relationship built on advocacy: the push and pull of someone who never let power get too comfortable, who asked the hard questions, demanded the honest answers, and reminded those of us in positions of responsibility exactly who we were supposed to be serving.”

— Rahm Emanuel, Former Mayor of Chicago (X)

What’s next

Rev. Jesse Jackson's sons, Jonathan Jackson and Jesse Jackson Jr., are both running for U.S. Congress, seeking to carry on their father's political legacy.

The takeaway

The death of Rev. Jesse Jackson marks the passing of a towering figure in the civil rights movement, whose decades-long fight for racial equality and social justice left an indelible mark on Chicago, Illinois, and the nation. His legacy will continue to inspire new generations of leaders and activists to keep the struggle for justice alive.