South Carolina Lowers Flags to Honor Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson

Governor McMaster orders flags lowered to commemorate the life and legacy of the Greenville native and prominent civil rights activist.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 11:39am

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Governor Henry McMaster announced that he will direct the flags over the South Carolina State Capitol to be lowered in order to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a Greenville native and prominent civil rights activist who passed away on Tuesday morning. Jackson was known for his lifetime of advocacy and crusades in the United States and abroad, fighting for the rights and opportunities of the poor and underrepresented.

Why it matters

Reverend Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, using his voice and platform to champion causes like voting rights, job opportunities, education, and healthcare access for marginalized communities. His passing marks the end of an era, and the lowering of flags in his home state of South Carolina is a symbolic gesture to commemorate his immense contributions to the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

The details

Governor McMaster released a statement on Tuesday morning expressing his and his wife Peggy's sadness at the news of Jackson's passing, and affirming that he will order the flags over the South Carolina State Capitol to be lowered at the appropriate time to honor Jackson's legacy and memory.

  • Reverend Jesse Jackson passed away early Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026.
  • Governor McMaster announced the flag lowering on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Reverend Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights activist and Greenville, South Carolina native who dedicated his life to advocating for the rights and opportunities of marginalized communities.

Governor Henry McMaster

The current Governor of South Carolina, who announced the decision to lower flags over the state capitol in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson's passing.

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What they’re saying

“A native son of South Carolina and an icon of the civil rights movement, the Reverend Jesse Jackson was a prominent voice in our nation's political and cultural dialogue. Peggy and I are saddened to learn of his passing. At the appropriate time, I will direct the flags over the Capitol to be lowered to honor his legacy and memory.”

— Governor Henry McMaster

The takeaway

Reverend Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era for the civil rights movement, and the lowering of flags in his home state of South Carolina is a symbolic gesture to honor his lifetime of advocacy and crusades for equality, justice, and opportunity for marginalized communities.