Honoring the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. ’64

Many Aggies have asked how North Carolina A&T is honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. ’64, one of our most legendary and beloved alumni. The university’s efforts are ongoing, and several provide an opportunity for you to be involved:

National Services and Representation

Chancellor James R. Martin II and university leadership have attended/are attending the following services honoring Rev. Jackson: 

  • Lying in Honor in South Carolina on Monday, May 2, 2026, at the South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais Street in Columbia.
  • The Public Homegoing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at House of Hope in Chicago.

Press Release and Memorial Tribute Page

The university issued an official press release the morning of Rev. Jackson’s passing, highlighting his legacy as a student athlete and student government leader, alumnus, civil rights leader and global advocate for justice. The release included statements from university leadership and reflections on Rev. Jackson’s lifelong impact on North Carolina A&T.

The university also created a memorial tribute webpage to provide a central space for the community to learn about his life, honor his contributions and share messages of remembrance with the Jackson family. To leave a tribute, visit this page. 

Long-term Plan and Recognition

University leadership has been working directly with the Jackson family since last summer to establish a significant naming opportunity on the North Carolina A&T campus that will authentically reflect honor and memorialize Reverend Jackson’s life, leadership and legacy. More information on this initiative will be shared shortly.

Campus and Community Engagement

The university will host the Rev. Jesse Jackson National Day of Service on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during National Volunteer Week. This special day will join Aggies in service to honor Rev. Jackson’s lifelong commitment to service, justice and community uplift.

Upcoming Centennial Homecoming Tribute

The university is planning a special commemorative service for Rev. Jackson as part of the 100-day countdown to the Centennial Greatest Homecoming on Earth in October 2026. This public observance will ensure his legacy is formally honored as part of this historic milestone celebration. 

Exhibit at F.D. Bluford Library

Archivists at North Carolina A&T’s F.D. Bluford Library have created a special exhibit with a collection of rare and unique artifacts and images of Rev. Jackson’s history at North Carolina A&T, as well his career and most notable achievements. The exhibit is on display on the first floor of F.D. Bluford Library at its main entrance. Librarians are also creating a Rev. Jackson Lib Guide for release this spring that will comprehensively detail online resources and materials about Rev. Jackson.

Media Engagement

News interviews have been conducted with university officials by the following outlets and reporters: 

  • ABC 11: Akilah Davis
  • WFMY News 2: Manning Franks
  • WGHP FOX8: Celeste Smith
  • WXII 12 News: Joshua Davis
  • WXLV ABC 45: Bailey Stamos
  • WLS-TV: Michelle Gallardo
  • Spectrum News 1 Triad: Sasha Strong
  • WSOC-TV (Charlotte): Ken Lemon
  • The Carolina Peacemaker, Yasmine Register
  • The A&T Register
  • Aggie News
  • StoriesWeTell