Congresswoman Beatty Introduces a Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of Jesse Jackson; Calls on Trump to Issue Federal Proclamation Lowering Flags to Half-Staff

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus, introduces a resolution that honors the life, legacy, and contributions of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. and sends a letter to President Trump to issue a federal proclamation lowering the flags to half-staff in honor of Reverend Jackson's passing. In addition, Congresswoman Beatty sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and Leader Hakeem Jeffries this afternoon, urging them to lower the Capitol flag on Friday, March 6th, in recognition of Jesse Jackson's funeral that will take place in Chicago, Illinois.

This resolution has bipartisan support in addition to being cosponsored by all members of current House Democratic Leadership: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clarke, Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Ted Lieu, and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse. Additional cosponsors include the full membership of the Congressional Black Caucus, leadership of the Democratic Women's Caucus, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Grace Meng, Chair of the Progressive Caucus Greg Casar, and over 150 cosponsors total.

"Reverend Jesse Jackson was a lover of our country and a dear friend to the world," said Congresswoman Beatty,"He was a civil rights giant, a towering figure in the struggle for social justice and one of the most consequential civil rights leaders of our time. He challenged us to live up to our nation's greatest ideal: that all men are created equal, and must be treated as such."

"It is because of this and more, that Beatty is calling on Speaker Mike Johnson under 4 U.S.C. § 7(m) of the United States Flag Code, to honor him by lowering the flags to half-staff," Congresswoman Beatty continued,"Given President Trump's favorable comments about Jesse Jackson upon his passing, I urge him to join myself and House Democrats in acknowledging Jesse's lifelong pursuit of justice.

"As his dear friend for over five decades, I had the privilege of witnessing his extraordinary impact firsthand. I saw it in 1984 and at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, where I served as a delegate. I can still recall, vividly, the moment he delivered his electrifying "Keep Hope Alive" speech. His presidential campaigns shattered racial barriers, strengthened Black political power and inspired millions."

"Despite his accolades, his passion was never about personal ambition; it was about lifting others as he climbed. Over the years, his counsel and encouragement were a steady source of my strength. He stood beside me and guided me through my election, offering wisdom that only a seasoned leader and trusted friend could give. I will never forget the night of my first Congressional victory, when he walked onto the stage, lifted my arms in triumph, and celebrated with me. During my tenure as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, his voice remained one of conviction and clarity-reminding me, and all of us, that if we raise our voice and keep the fight, a brighter future is always ahead."

"Most recently, I had the chance to spend time with him as he faced his illness with quiet strength. His legacy will live on through the people he inspired and the progress he carried forward and entrusted to us to continue."

"I am proud to carry his charge forward and call on President Trump and Speaker Johnson to lower the flags at half-staff in his honor; honoring this esteemed civil rights giant that paved the way for fairness, justice, and equity for all people."

Past figures that received a federal proclamation lowering the flags at half-staff include Rosa Parks, Senator John McCain, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Congressman Elijah Cummings, and more.

You can find the full text of the resolution HERE.

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