Memorial Caravan Carrying Late Rev. Jesse Jackson from Chicago to South Carolina

The civil rights icon's body is being transported to his native state for final services.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:15am

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A memorial caravan carrying the body of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. has departed Chicago, headed to his native state of South Carolina. Jackson's widow, Jacqueline, is accompanying him on this final journey. The procession left Leak and Sons Funeral Home earlier Saturday morning, with the goal of providing an opportunity for friends, supporters, and community members to pay their respects and honor Jackson's life and legacy.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, serving as a close ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. His passing marks the end of an era, and this memorial caravan allows the public to commemorate his immense contributions to the fight for racial equality and social justice.

The details

The caravan will make a brief stop at the state Capitol in Nashville, Tennessee, before arriving in Columbia, South Carolina, where Jackson will lie in repose at the state house. Public and private services are scheduled for Monday in Columbia to celebrate Jackson's life.

  • The memorial caravan departed Chicago on Saturday morning.
  • The caravan will make a stop at the Tennessee state Capitol in Nashville.
  • Jackson's body will lie in repose at the South Carolina state house in Columbia.
  • Public and private services will be held in Columbia on Monday to honor Jackson.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

A renowned civil rights leader, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and close ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Jacqueline Jackson

The widow of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., accompanying his body on the memorial caravan.

Spencer Leak

The funeral director who will be driving Rev. Jackson's body from Chicago to South Carolina, as the Leak and Jackson families have been close friends for years.

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What they’re saying

“We want the journey to be an opportunity for friends, supporters and community members to pay their respects while honoring Jackson's life and legacy.”

— Jackson's family

What’s next

Jackson's body will lie in repose at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, and there will be public and private services held in the state on Monday to celebrate his life.

The takeaway

The memorial caravan carrying Rev. Jesse Jackson's body from Chicago to his native South Carolina allows the public to pay their respects and honor the life and legacy of this towering civil rights leader, whose work and impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.