Sharpton Criticizes Speaker Johnson’s Refusal to Let Jesse Jackson Lie in Honor at Capitol Rotunda
Rev. Al Sharpton sharply criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson after Johnson’s office denied a request for civil rights leader Jesse Jackson to "lie in honor" at the Capitol Rotunda, saying the office cited precedent that the designation is typically reserved for former presidents, military leaders and noting past denials for figures like Dick Cheney and Charlie Kirk. Sharpton argued Congress has previously broken precedent for civilians such as Billy Graham and Rosa Parks, insisted Jackson "belongs on that list," called the decision an insult to Jackson’s widow Jacqueline Lavinia Brown and "millions of Americans across the rainbow," and recalled serving as Jackson’s youth director in New York.
📌 Key Facts
- Speaker Mike Johnson’s office denied a request to allow Jesse Jackson to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol rotunda, citing precedent that the 'lie in honor' designation is typically reserved for select officials such as former presidents and military leaders.
- Johnson’s office cited prior denials of 'lie in honor' requests for Dick Cheney and Charlie Kirk as part of its precedent-based rationale.
- Rev. Al Sharpton publicly blasted Johnson’s refusal on MS NOW’s The Weekend, arguing that Congress has previously broken precedent to honor civilians like Rev. Billy Graham and Rosa Parks and that Jesse Jackson 'belongs on that list.'
- Sharpton said the denial was an insult to Jackson’s widow, Jacqueline Lavinia Brown, and to 'millions of Americans across the rainbow' who drew hope from Jackson.
- Sharpton, who served as Jackson’s youth director in New York, recounted his personal history with Jackson while criticizing the decision; MS NOW reported the story on Feb. 23, 2026.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
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- Johnson’s office told MS NOW the denial was based on precedent that the 'lie in honor' designation is typically reserved for select officials such as former presidents and military leaders, and cited prior denials for Dick Cheney and Charlie Kirk.
- Rev. Al Sharpton publicly blasted the decision on MS NOW’s 'The Weekend,' arguing that Congress has previously broken precedent to honor civilians like Rev. Billy Graham and Rosa Parks and that Jackson 'belongs on that list.'
- Sharpton framed the denial as an insult not just to Jackson’s widow, Jacqueline Lavinia Brown, but to 'millions of Americans across the rainbow' who drew hope from Jackson, and recounted his own personal history as Jackson’s youth director in New York.