Editor’s note: This essay is part of Mississippi Today Ideas, a platform for thoughtful Mississippians to share their ideas about our state’s past, present and future. You can read more about the section here.
The recent passing of Jesse Jackson marks the end of an era in American public life. For more than five decades, the Rev. Jesse Jackson stood on the front lines of the struggle for civil rights, economic justice and human dignity. His voice thundered in pulpits, echoed through protest lines and rang out on debate stages across this nation. Whether one agreed with him politically or not, his impact on American history is undeniable.
He walked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. He founded Operation PUSH and later the Rainbow Coalition, advancing an agenda rooted in fairness, inclusion and opportunity. He ran for president of the United States, not once, but twice, expanding the political imagination of what leadership in America could look like. His campaigns inspired millions, particularly young people and communities long excluded from the political process.
Rep. Kabir Karriem, D-Columbus, voices his disappointment in the failure of a suffrage restoration bill to pass, during a press conference held at the state Capitol, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi TodayMississippi knows something about struggle. We know something about courage. And we know something about redemption.
Our state stands on sacred Civil Rights ground. From the Mississippi Delta to Jackson, from Meridian to Philadelphia, history has tested this state in ways few others have experienced. That history includes pain, injustice and resistance, but it also includes resilience, faith and transformation.
The Rev. Jackson’s life intersected with that larger American story. He helped push this nation and states like ours toward a more inclusive democracy. His work opened doors in boardrooms, classrooms, city halls and state capitols. Leaders across generations stand on ground he helped clear.
Honoring him is not about partisanship. It is about acknowledging the arc of history and those who bent it.
As chair of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, I believe it is both appropriate and necessary that the state of Mississippi formally recognize his contributions. I have respectfully called upon Gov. Tate Reeves to order flags across our state to be flown at half-staff in honor of the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.
Flying the flag at half-staff is more than symbolism. It is a public statement of recognition. It tells future generations that when history called, Mississippi did not remain silent. It affirms that we understand the weight of sacrifice and the power of perseverance.
Scripture reminds us in Matthew 25:23: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Jesse Jackson’s life embodied service to faith, to justice and to the enduring promise of America.
At this moment, Mississippi has an opportunity to demonstrate maturity, unity and moral clarity. Lowering the flags would not erase our past. But it would acknowledge that leaders who fought for equality helped shape the freedoms we all share today.
History is always watching how we respond in moments like these.
Let Mississippi respond with dignity. Let us respond with respect. Let our flags fly at half-staff in honor of a man whose life helped move this country forward.
Democrat Kabir Karriem has represented Mississippi House District 41, covering parts of Lowndes County, since 2016. He is chair of the Legislative Black Caucus.
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