Rev. Jesse Jackson Lies in State at South Carolina Capitol

The civil rights leader is honored in the state where he was born and launched his activism.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The casket of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. was carried to the South Carolina Statehouse, where he will lie in state on Monday. Jackson, who died on February 17 at age 84, was a prominent civil rights leader who fought for equality, voting rights, job opportunities, education, and health care. He is just the second Black man to lie in state at the South Carolina Capitol, following state Sen. Clementa Pinckney in 2015.

Why it matters

Jackson's homecoming to South Carolina represents a full-circle moment, as the state was the backdrop for many of his early civil rights battles, including a 1960 incident where he led Black high school students into a segregated library. His legacy and impact on the civil rights movement will be honored through this final tribute in his home state.

The details

Jackson's casket, draped in an American flag, arrived at the South Carolina Statehouse on a horse-drawn caisson. A special honor guard brought him inside, where a ceremony was held before the public was invited to pay their respects. The service began with a rousing rendition of the civil rights anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Jackson will be honored with events in Chicago and Washington, D.C. as well.

  • Jackson died on February 17, 2026 at the age of 84.
  • His casket arrived at the South Carolina Statehouse on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

A prominent civil rights leader who fought for equality, voting rights, job opportunities, education, and health care. He launched his activism in South Carolina and went on to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.

Rep. Jermaine Johnson

A Democratic state representative in South Carolina who led the ceremony honoring Jackson at the Statehouse.

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What they’re saying

“Today we're here to celebrate a life well lived, a job well done.”

— Rep. Jermaine Johnson, Democratic state representative (Associated Press)

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 homecoming to South Carolina to lie in state is a poignant tribute to the civil rights icon's lifelong fight for equality and justice. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come as the movement he helped lead lives on.