Jesse Jackson Sr. Lies in State

The Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement, is being honored with a lying in state ceremony at the United States===South Carolina State House. This tribute marks a significant moment, contrasting with his early life in segregated Greenville, United States===South Carolina, where he began his activism by challenging whites-only institutions. Jackson, who died on February 17 at age 84, dedicated his career to advocating for voting rights, job opportunities, education, and healthcare for the poor and underrepresented. He founded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, became a torchbearer for the Civil Rights Movement after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, and ran for the Democratic presidential nomination twice. The United States===South Carolina services are part of a two-week series of memorials, including events at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition's Chicago headquarters. He is only the second Black man to receive this honor in United States===South Carolina, following State Senator Clementa C. Pinckney.