Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Memorial Caravan to Travel from Chicago to Columbia

Jackson's family plans journey to allow more people to pay final respects to the civil rights icon.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The family of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. has announced that a memorial caravan will escort him to his native state of South Carolina. The caravan will depart from Leak and Sons Funeral Home in Chicago on Feb. 28 at 5 am, with a brief stop in Nashville, TN, to visit the historic Tennessee State Capitol along the way. At the end of the procession, Jackson will lie in state at the South Carolina State House in Columbia.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. was an iconic figure in the fight for civil rights, international justice, and human dignity, who built an extraordinary legacy. His family wants to allow more people to pay their final respects to this influential leader.

The details

The caravan will be accompanied by Jackson's wife, Mrs. Jacqueline L. Jackson. Members of the public are welcome to join the caravan in their own vehicles. The Jackson Family said that while Jackson's career began with his fight against racial discrimination, his fearless leadership also brought attention to economic and gender inequity, social injustice, healthcare, education, and peace in Illinois, across the United States, and throughout the world.

  • The caravan will depart from Leak and Sons Funeral Home in Chicago on Feb. 28 at 5 am.
  • The caravan will make a brief stop in Nashville, TN, to visit the historic Tennessee State Capitol along the way.
  • At the end of the procession, Jackson will lie in state at the South Carolina State House in Columbia.

The players

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

An iconic figure in the fight for civil rights, international justice, and human dignity who built an extraordinary legacy.

Mrs. Jacqueline L. Jackson

The wife of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. who is accompanying him on this solemn return to his native state of South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“It is no exaggeration to say Jesse Jackson, Sr. redefined morality in the United States and created a lasting impression on the entire world.”

— The Jackson Family (abcnews4.com)

“While our father's career began with his fight against racial discrimination, his fearless leadership brought attention to economic and gender inequity, social injustice, healthcare, education, and peace in Illinois, across the United States, and throughout the world.”

— The Jackson Family (abcnews4.com)

What’s next

At the end of the procession, Jackson will lie in state at the South Carolina State House in Columbia.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.'s memorial caravan from Chicago to Columbia, South Carolina, will allow more people to pay their final respects to this iconic civil rights leader and influential figure who dedicated his life to fighting for justice, equality, and human dignity.