Read the full stored bill text
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
26-133
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
March 3, 2026
To recognize, honor, and celebrate the life and legacy of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., and to
commend his lifelong leadership in advancing civil rights, social justice, faith, and
equality in the United States and the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson was born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in
Greenville, South Carolina, to Helen Burns and Noah Robinson, and was later adopted by his
stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson, whose name he carried throughout his life;
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson pursued higher education at North Carolina A&T State
University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, and later completed a
Master of Divinity degree at Chicago Theological Seminary, reflecting his enduring commitment
to faith, scholarship, and service;
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson began his lifelong commitment to civil rights by
participating in early civil rights demonstrations challenging segregation in Greenville, South
Carolina;
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson joined several protests in Selma, Alabama, led by Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, contributing to
historic campaigns that advanced racial justice and equality across the nation;
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1968 and dedicated
his life to ministry and public service, using his voice, faith, and leadership to advocate for
justice, dignity, and opportunity for underserved communities;
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson founded Operation PUSH in 1971 to advance economic
empowerment, education, and civil rights, and later established the National Rainbow Coalition
in Washington, D.C., which ultimately merged with Operation PUSH to form the Rainbow
PUSH Coalition, a national organization committed to promoting fairness, opportunity, and
inclusion;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
2
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson served as a Shadow Senator for the District of Columbia
from 1991 to 1997, advocating for statehood and full congressional representation for District
residents;
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson demonstrated extraordinary leadership on the national
and international stage, advocating for peace, negotiating the release of Americans from prison
abroad, and promoting dialogue and diplomacy as tools to advance justice and humanitarian
values;
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson twice sought the Democratic nomination for President of
the United States, inspiring millions of Americans and helping to expand civic engagement,
voter participation, and representation, particularly among historically marginalized
communities;
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson’s decades of advocacy, ministry, and public service were
recognized at the highest levels, including his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom,
honoring his profound contributions to civil rights and public life;
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson maintained a lasting connection to the District of
Columbia through his national advocacy work, leadership of organizations headquartered in
Washington, D.C., and his continued engagement in advancing justice, opportunity, and equality
for residents of the District and the nation;
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026, leaving behind an
extraordinary legacy as one of the most influential civil rights leaders, faith leaders, and
advocates for justice in American history.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. Posthumous Recognition Resolution
of 2026”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes, honors, and celebrates the
life, legacy, and enduring contributions of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. for his lifelong
dedication to civil rights, faith, justice, equality, and the advancement of opportunity for all
people.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.