03/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/18/2026 16:31
Washington, DC - This week, the United States Senate this week passed by unanimous consent a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. led by U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Senate Democratic Whip and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). The resolution recognizes Rev. Jackson's significant leadership during the Civil Rights Movement and his decades of advocacy in pursuit of justice, equality, and human rights.
"In the days since his passing, I've been reflecting on Reverend Jesse Jackson's legacy and what he meant to our country," said Senator Blunt Rochester. "As we confront this challenging moment in our nation's history, may we all find inspiration in Rev. Jackson's moral clarity and insistence that everyone deserves equality, dignity, and respect. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this resolution to honor the life of this civil rights giant."
"Reverend Jesse Jackson committed his life to the fight for civil rights. I counted him as an ally on many issues of social justice-and his legacy is alive and growing. I was honored to introduce this resolution in the Senate for my friend and am thrilled the Senate passed it unanimously," said Senator Durbin.
"The great Reverend Jesse Jackson was a barrier-breaking civil rights giant who spent his life working to improve lives by helping patch America together into a great quilt of unity and common ground," Senator Duckworth said. "He leaves behind a legacy Chicago and our nation will never forget-we are better because of him, and I'm pleased this resolution to honor his life and work that I helped introduce has passed the Senate unanimously. While Reverend Jackson will be missed by so many, myself included, it's now up to each of us to keep his hope and vision for the future alive for generations to come."
"Reverend Jesse Jackson spent his life working to ensure our nation lives up to its highest ideals," said Senator Reverend Warnock. "With an eloquence and rhythmic rhetoric all his own, he reminded America that equal justice is not inevitable; it requires vigilance and commitment, and for freedom fighters, sacrifice. His legacy will remain a beacon for generations to come, and I pray it inspires us to continue the work he started."
"Jesse Jackson was a trailblazer and giant of the civil rights movement who spent his life on the front lines standing up for a more just and united America," said Senator Booker. "Through decades of activism, he inspired generations, proving that when people from every background come together with love, courage, and conviction, there is no limit to what we can achieve. His life stands as a lasting reminder that we all must come together and never stop fighting for a better America."
Full text of the resolution is available here.
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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.