WASHINGTON (AP) — The late Rev. Jesse Jackson won’t lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda after House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office denied the request. This decision is based on a longstanding tradition that reserves the Rotunda for former presidents, military leaders, and select officials.
Jackson, who passed away this week at 84, was a prominent civil rights leader. His family and some House Democrats had sought to honor him at the Capitol, but the request was turned down. The discussions around memorials in the Capitol reflect broader struggles over how political divisions affect whom we choose to recognize and honor.
Past requests for similar honors have been denied, including those for conservative activist Charlie Kirk and former Vice President Dick Cheney. There’s no official rule defining who qualifies for lying in state or in honor; it relies on agreement between the House and Senate.
Despite this setback, Jackson’s family has organized memorial services across Chicago, Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. They’ve expressed gratitude for the support received from leaders in these areas. The final memorial services are set for March 6 and 7 in Chicago.
The Capitol Rotunda is typically reserved for “the most eminent citizens,” according to the Architect of the Capitol. While government and military officials are laid in state, private citizens are honored. There have been notable exceptions, like civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2005 and Reverend Billy Graham in 2018.
The history of memorials in the Capitol shows how times and attitudes can shift. For instance, in 2020, Congressman John Lewis was the first Black lawmaker to lie in state there, though his memorial was impacted by pandemic restrictions. Similarly, services for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg were held in Statuary Hall when a Rotunda ceremony couldn’t be arranged.
Jesse Jackson was more than just a political figure; he was a passionate advocate for civil rights and a global humanitarian. His campaigns for president in 1984 and 1988 made waves in American politics. His Rainbow PUSH Coalition became a gathering place for progressive activists. His calls for a more inclusive society helped shape the Democratic Party’s progressive agenda.
His influence extended beyond the U.S. Jackson championed human rights worldwide, working to secure the release of American hostages and standing against apartheid in South Africa. His legacy is a blend of local and global activism, making him a pivotal figure in not just American history but also in the global fight for justice.
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