House Speaker Mike Johnson recently denied a request for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. to lie in honor at the Capitol. This decision was based on past practices regarding prominent figures’ deaths.
Rev. Jackson passed away at 84, leaving behind a legacy of civil rights activism that resonated with both major political parties. President Trump even referred to him as a “good man.”
Sources mentioned that the denial was not political but rather adhered to protocol. In the past, similar requests for conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and former Vice President Dick Cheney were also turned down. Historically, only a select few, including former presidents and distinguished officials, are honored in this way. Most recently, lying in honor was done for former President Jimmy Carter.
Typically, this honor involves placing a casket in the Capitol Rotunda for public viewing. Jackson’s family has planned for him to lie in repose at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Chicago, followed by services in South Carolina and Washington, D.C.
Rev. Jackson was not just an orator; he played a significant role in shaping American politics. He made two bids for the Democratic nomination and worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. Jackson’s work inspired countless individuals and reshaped the Democratic Party.
His Rainbow Coalition united diverse groups, including African Americans, Latinos, and LGBTQ people, fostering a more inclusive political landscape. This coalition’s impact is still felt today, as many discussions about equality and representation in politics continue to evolve.
For more details on significant figures lying in honor, you can check the Architect of the Capitol’s page.
