Governors across the nation order flags at half-staff in honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
SOUTH CAROLINA
At the request of the Jackson family, and numerous members of the South Carolina General Assembly, the body of the Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. will lie in state in the South Carolina Statehouse on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Governor Henry McMaster has directed that the flags atop the Statehouse be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset that same day to honor the legacy and memory of Reverend Jackson.
“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,” Gov. McMaster said.
ILLINOIS
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker ordered flags to half-staff across Illinois in honor of the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Pritzker, a Democrat, called Jackson a “giant of the civil rights movement.”
“He broke down barriers, inspired generations, and kept hope alive,” Pritzker said. “Our state, nation, and world are better due to his years of service.”
Flags are at half-staff in Illinois through sunset on Saturday, February 28, 2026, to honor his life.
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities be lowered to half-staff from sunrise Feb. 19 through sunset Feb. 28 in honor of Civil Rights Activist, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson. A protege of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, for decades Rev. Jackson advocated for the poor and underserved communities on issues concerning voting rights, education, job opportunities, and health care.
“Civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson found a home at North Carolina A&T, where he launched his prolific career working to change this country for the better,” said Governor Josh Stein. “To honor his life, let us continue his work for justice and equality. May his memory be a blessing.”
IOWA
Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, February 27, 2026, in honor and remembrance of American civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson, who died February 17, 2026, at the age of 84.
“A central figure in America’s civil rights movement, Reverend Jesse Jackson advocated for peace, justice, and equality and helped reframe the conscience of our country,” Governor Reynolds said. “His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Americans.”
Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
COLORADO
Governor Jared Polis ordered flags on all public buildings to fly at half-staff from sunrise on Friday, March 6, 2026 to sunset on Saturday, March 7th, to honor the life and legacy of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson. March 6th is the day of Rev. Jackson’s public celebration of life ceremony and a private memorial will be held on March 7th.
Rev. Jesse Jackson had many deep connections to Colorado, and Denver’s Civil Rights movement and leaders. Rev. Jackson had strong connections to many of Colorado’s community leaders, including Cleo Parker Robinson, Wellington and Wilma Webb, Michael Hancock, and countless others.
“Rev. Jesse Jackson changed this state and nation forever. His contributions to Civil Rights bettered the lives of millions, inspired a generation of leaders, and moved our nation further towards justice and equality. Rev. Jackson’s legacy lives on in our constant efforts to build a Colorado For All, where there is space, opportunity, and justice for every person,” said Governor Polis.
CONNECTICUT
Governor Ned Lamont has directed U.S. and Connecticut flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, March 7, 2026, to honor the life and public service legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson.
The tribute will coincide with a homegoing service in Reverend Jackson’s honor that has been scheduled for that day at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Community House in Chicago, Illinois.
“Reverend Jesse Jackson is an icon of the civil rights movement and a lifelong champion for justice and equality,” Governor Lamont said. “His work expanded opportunity and gave voice to those too often unheard. I had the honor of spending some time with him and I will always remember and be inspired by his passion and commitment in fighting for the principles of freedom, liberty, and equality upon which our country was founded. Connecticut joins the nation in mourning his passing and honoring his extraordinary legacy.”
“Reverend Jesse Jackson spent his life fighting fiercely for civil rights and social justice, inspiring millions to join him along the way,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “His work in advocacy and policy has forever changed our society. We can carry forth his legacy by striving for greater equality and justice in our communities, Connecticut, and our country.”
In accordance with the directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.
MINNESOTA
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz honored Rev. Jesse Jackson by ordering flags at half-staff, recognizing Jackson’s pivotal role in civil rights and his lasting impact on Minnesota.
“Reverend Jackson spent his life pushing America to live up to its highest ideals,” Walz said in a statement. “His fight for civil rights, dignity, and fairness changed our country and will inspire generations to come.”
KENTUCKY
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered that flags at state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, March 7, honoring civil rights leader Jesse Jackson who died on Feb. 17 at the age of 84.
Beshear offered some words to the impact and legacy of the Rev. Jackson.
“A leader of strength and commitment to peace, Rev. Jesse Jackson brought meaningful change for people across the world,” said Beshear.” He challenged America to live up to its promise of freedom and justice for all, always advocating for unity over division. His passing is met with grief, but his legacy will continue to have a positive impact for generations to come.”
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered United States and Commonwealth flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson. This tribute will coincide with the last day of memorial services scheduled for Rev. Jackson.
Rev. Jesse Jackson was a civil rights activist and Baptist minister who championed the civil rights movement. Throughout his life of service, Rev. Jackson made countless visits to Pennsylvania, advocating for labor rights and civil rights across the Commonwealth – from Pittsburgh and Erie to Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
On one of his last visits to the Commonwealth, in October 2024, Rev. Jackson was hosted by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. While in the Capitol, Rev. Jackson was recognized by the General Assembly for founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which advocates for civil rights, economic equality, voting rights, and social justice.
Governor Shapiro said: “Rev. Jesse Jackson was a change maker, a boundary breaker, and a passionate and unrelenting crusader for civil rights, equality, and opportunity. To be around him felt like you were experiencing history. It was an honor to share the pulpit with him back in September of 2016 at Sharon Baptist Church in West Philly. I hung on his every word and could feel how much his presence meant to the congregation. Lori and I are praying for his wife Jacqueline, his family, and everyone he inspired over the years. May the memory of Rev. Jesse Jackson be a blessing.”
The flags shall remain lowered until sunset on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.
DELAWARE
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer ordered all flags at state buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff to honor the life, service, and influence of the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
“The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a giant in American politics. From the civil rights movement to his historic presidential campaigns to decades spent advocating for equality across the globe, his fight for working people and racial justice laid the groundwork for generational change. He was a progressive before it was cool and a revolutionary when it was hard,” Gov. Meyer said. “His life should be an example to us all that we have a duty to serve our neighbors and fight for what we believe in, especially when the cards are stacked against us. Lauren and I are holding his family in our prayers, as the people of Delaware mourn this loss, celebrate his life, and resolve to always remember the influence and impact of the Rev. Jesse Jackson.”
NEW YORK
New York Governor Kathy Hochul directed flags to be lowered at half-staff to honor the life and public service legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson. Flags were lowered on February 18 and will be again for his funeral services.
“Reverend Jesse Jackson’s life was defined by courage and conviction. From Selma to the national stage, he stood tall against racial injustice,” Governor Hochul said.
MICHIGAN
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, Feb. 26, and Friday, Feb. 27, to honor the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
“We mourn the loss of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a fierce advocate for justice, equality, and prosperity for all. He dedicated decades of his life to advancing civil rights and economic opportunity for the working class in the United States and around the world,” Whitmer said.
