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Michigan Lowers Flags to Honor Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
Governor Whitmer orders flags lowered to half-staff on the day of Jackson's funeral.
Feb. 25, 2026 at 2:34pm
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday to honor the life of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Jackson, a longtime activist and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, died on February 17 at the age of 84. He was a key figure in the civil rights movement, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and founding the People United to Save Humanity organization.
Why it matters
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. was a pioneering civil rights leader who dedicated decades of his life to advancing equality and economic opportunity for Black communities in the United States and around the world. His passing is being mourned by many, and the lowering of flags in his honor is a symbolic gesture recognizing his immense contributions to the fight for social justice.
The details
Jackson began his work as an organizer with the Congress of Racial Equality, participating in marches and sit-ins. After taking part in the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march, he joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Following King's assassination, Jackson founded People United to Save Humanity in 1971, focusing on improving economic conditions for Black communities. His activism spanned decades, including campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.
- Flags will be lowered on Thursday, February 27, 2026 to coincide with the day of Jackson's funeral.
- Flags should be returned to full staff after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2026.
The players
Gretchen Whitmer
The Governor of Michigan who ordered the flags to be lowered in honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
A civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate who dedicated decades of his life to advancing equality and economic opportunity for Black communities.
What they’re saying
“We mourn the loss of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a fierce advocate for justice, equality, and prosperity for all. He dedicated decades of his life to advancing civil rights and economic opportunity for the working class in the United States and around the world. Rev. Jackson had a special connection to Michigan and especially the city of Detroit. He visited often, standing with labor, working with local leaders, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.”
— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
The takeaway
The lowering of flags in Michigan to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is a powerful tribute to a civil rights icon who dedicated his life to fighting for equality, justice, and economic opportunity for all. His impact on the civil rights movement and his enduring influence on the state of Michigan will continue to be felt for generations to come.
