MAYOR BARAKA ORDERS FLAGS LOWERED TO HALF STAFF IN HONOR OF CIVIL RIGHTS ICON JESSE JACKSON

Newark, NJ—February 20, 2026—Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that despite the lack of national presidential action, the City of Newark is honoring the life and legacy of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson by lowering the flags to half-staff at all City of Newark buildings for 30 days. This tribute will continue until March 22, 2026 as a mark of respect and mourning.

“Even though Jesse’s passing is not being recognized by the federal government, the City of Newark will do what is right to honor this giant warrior of civil rights,” said Mayor Baraka. “My family grieves the loss of Jesse, who was our friend and an honored guest to my childhood home. But beyond our personal sadness, we also share this feeling of profound loss with our nation and with people across the globe who witnessed the power of this one man to instill social justice, human rights, freedom and peace. Because we lost Jesse when we needed him the most, it’s up to each and every one of us to carry his vision and resolve into our future.”

A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Reverend Jackson was a lifelong champion for civil rights, economic justice, equality, and political empowerment. He played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement and later founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to advance civil rights, equality, and opportunity for marginalized communities.

Reverend Jackson ran twice for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, in 1984 and 1988, breaking barriers and expanding participation for millions of Americans. Although he was not the nominee, the historic campaigns helped pave the way for the election of Barack Obama as the nation’s first Black President.

Throughout his decades of service, Reverend Jackson advocated for voting rights, fair housing, labor rights, and human rights at home and abroad. During the Black Power and Black Arts Movements he gleefully adopted Amiri Baraka’s spoken word lyrics and rallying cry that became a common refrain and homegrown greeting: “What time is it? It’s Nation Time!”

Jesse Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84, at his home in Chicago. He is survived by his wife of more than six decades Jacqueline Jackson, and his six children: Santita, Jesse, Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline and Ashley.

-NEWARK-

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.newarknj.gov

Follow us on X: https://x.com/cityofnewarknj