House Speaker Mike Johnson Rejects Jesse Jackson's Honor Request at Capitol
The request for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda has been denied by House Speaker Mike Johnson's office, which cited adherence to past precedents.
Jackson's family sought this honor for the civil rights leader, who passed away at 84, but their appeal was turned down. Sources indicate that the denial stems from a long-standing tradition that limits this honor to select military and government officials. Previous requests for similar honors have also been denied, including those for conservative activist Charlie Kirk and former Vice President Dick Cheney.
Johnson's office confirmed the decision to various media outlets, emphasizing the importance of maintaining established protocols.
While there are no explicit rules governing who qualifies for lying in honor, the decision requires agreement from both the House and Senate. This has led to contentious debates over memorialization practices in a politically divided nation. Typically, public access is granted during these ceremonies, allowing citizens to pay their respects.
In response to the denial, the Jackson family has announced memorial services scheduled for next week in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. They have received offers from leaders in both South Carolina, Jackson's home state, and Washington to celebrate his legacy in those locations. Ongoing discussions with lawmakers are focused on finalizing the details of these proceedings, with the last memorial services planned for March 6 and 7 in Chicago.
The Architect of the Capitol's website notes that the Rotunda is generally reserved for "the most eminent citizens," with government and military officials lying in state and private citizens lying in honor.
In a notable instance from 2020, Democratic Rep. John Lewis became the first Black lawmaker to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda after a ceremony honoring his legacy was held outside due to pandemic restrictions. Later that year, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi facilitated services for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at Statuary Hall when an agreement could not be reached for the Rotunda.
Although rare, there is precedent for private citizens receiving honors at the Capitol, with notable figures such as Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks in 2005 and Rev. Billy Graham in 2018 being exceptions.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson expressed strong disapproval of Johnson's decision, stating it reflects a "gross disregard for our Constitution and our democracy."
Jackson was a passionate advocate for civil rights and a globally recognized humanitarian. His impactful speeches and dual presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 reshaped American political discourse. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which he founded, became a pivotal organization for progressive activists nationwide.
His unwavering advocacy for a progressive economic agenda and inclusive policies across racial, religious, gender, and orientation lines laid foundational principles for the Democratic Party's progressive movement. Additionally, Jackson earned international acclaim as a human rights champion, facilitating the release of American hostages worldwide and advocating for solidarity among global civil rights movements, particularly against Apartheid in South Africa.
