Rev. Jesse Jackson Honored with Lying in State in South Carolina

Civil rights leader's final visit to his home state marks a historic moment.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a longtime civil rights leader who fought for equality, voting rights, and social justice, will lie in state at the South Carolina capitol on Monday. This is part of a two-week series of events honoring Jackson's life and legacy after his passing at age 84 following a battle with a rare neurological disorder.

Why it matters

Jackson's visit to lie in state in South Carolina is a significant honor, as he is only the second Black man to receive this distinction in the state's history. It marks the culmination of his lifelong advocacy for racial equality and social justice, particularly in the American South where he was born and raised.

The details

Jackson led a historic sit-in at a segregated library in Greenville, South Carolina in 1960, launching his civil rights career. He went on to work closely with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., participate in the Selma to Montgomery voting rights march, and run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. Through his Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Jackson continued to fight for the poor and underrepresented, pushing for change in corporate boardrooms and at the state capitol.

  • Jackson died on February 17, 2026 at the age of 84.
  • Jackson's body will lie in state at the South Carolina capitol on Monday, March 3, 2026.
  • After the South Carolina services, Jackson's body will be returned to Chicago for a large celebration of life gathering and final homegoing services.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

A longtime civil rights leader who fought for equality, voting rights, and social justice throughout his career. He was a close associate of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

A prominent leader in the civil rights movement, with whom Jackson worked closely and participated in the Selma to Montgomery voting rights march.

Clementa Pinckney

A South Carolina state senator who was shot and killed in the 2015 Charleston church shooting, and was the first Black man to lie in state at the South Carolina capitol.

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What’s next

After the South Carolina services, Jackson's body will be returned to Chicago for a large celebration of life gathering at a megachurch and the final homegoing services at the headquarters of Rainbow PUSH. Plans for a service in Washington, D.C., to honor him have been postponed until a later date.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's lying in state in South Carolina marks a historic moment, as he is only the second Black man to receive this honor in the state. It serves as a powerful tribute to his lifelong dedication to the civil rights movement and his tireless advocacy for equality, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.