Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Lies in State in South Carolina

Thousands pay respects as Jackson's casket arrives at the South Carolina Statehouse

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The casket of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson arrived at the South Carolina Statehouse on March 2, where it will lie in state. Thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects to the trailblazer, who died on Feb. 17 at the age of 84. Jackson's casket was draped with the American flag, and an Allen University choir sang as it was carried into the building.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, known for his activism, leadership, and advocacy for racial justice. His death marks the passing of a civil rights icon, and the public viewing at the South Carolina Statehouse honors his legacy and impact on the state and the nation.

The details

Jackson's casket arrived at the South Carolina Statehouse, where flags flew at half-staff by order of Gov. Henry McMaster. Thousands of people, including retired Air Force officer Aaron Brown, waited in line to pay their respects. Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and the seeds of his civil rights legacy were planted in the Upstate when he organized protests that led to the desegregation of the Greenville Public Library. State and local officials, including State Sen. Karl Allen, State Rep. Chandra Dillard, and Greenville Mayor Knox White, attended the ceremony to honor Jackson's life and work.

  • Jackson's casket arrived at the South Carolina Statehouse on March 2, 2026.
  • Jackson's casket previously lay in state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago on Feb. 26 and Feb. 27, 2026.
  • Jackson will be honored in Chicago on March 6, 2026, for the People's Celebration at House of Hope.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A Greenville, South Carolina native and trailblazer in the American Civil Rights Movement, who died on Feb. 17, 2026, at the age of 84.

Aaron Brown

A retired Air Force officer who traveled from Barnesville, Georgia, to pay his respects to Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Gov. Henry McMaster

The governor of South Carolina, who ordered flags at the statehouse to fly at half-staff in honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson.

State Sen. Karl Allen

A Democratic state senator from Greenville, South Carolina, who traveled to the state capitol building to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy.

State Rep. Chandra Dillard

A Democratic state representative from Greenville, South Carolina, who traveled to the state capitol building to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You could always tell when he was in the room. Some days he was loud and proud, but other times, he was soft and mesmerizing.”

— Chandra Dillard, State Representative (USA TODAY)

“This is a friendship that spanned generations.”

— Jim Clyburn, U.S. Representative (USA TODAY)

What’s next

Jackson's casket will be escorted out of the South Carolina Statehouse by the South Carolina Highway Patrol at 5:30 p.m. on March 2, 2026. Public visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on the same day.

The takeaway

The public viewing of Rev. Jesse Jackson's casket at the South Carolina Statehouse is a powerful tribute to the civil rights icon's legacy and impact on the state and the nation. His life and work continue to inspire generations of activists and leaders in the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.