Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor 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 who passed away earlier this month. 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.
In a post on X, 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.