The Man Who Moved Mountains in Politics and Faith

Reginald Thomas Jackson, a prominent figure in both politics and religion, passed away at 71. His influence stretched far beyond the pulpit, shaping political landscapes in New Jersey and Georgia. As the head of the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey, he wielded significant power, mobilizing faith leaders to support or oppose political figures. His endorsement was a game-changer, potentially swaying the votes of 400, 000 churchgoers. Jackson's impact wasn't confined to New Jersey. As a bishop in the AME Church's 6th District, which includes Georgia, he played a crucial role in the 2020 elections. His efforts helped draw out voters for Joe Biden, who narrowly won Georgia's electoral votes. He also backed Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in their Senate races, with Warnock making history as the first Black Democrat elected to the Senate from the South. Despite his leaning towards Democrats, Jackson wasn't afraid to support Republicans when he saw fit. In the 1990s, he backed Governor Christine Todd Whitman's reelection campaign. His political influence wasn't just about endorsements; he used it to drive change. After a racially charged incident involving state troopers, he led a campaign that resulted in federal oversight of the New Jersey State Police for a decade. Jackson's fight for civil rights extended to Georgia. In 2021, he organized a boycott against major companies to oppose a restrictive voting law. While the Sunday voting restrictions were removed, other contentious elements remained. This experience made him question the Democrats' commitment to civil rights issues. Born in Dover, Delaware, Jackson found his calling early. He gave sermons as a youth and dabbled in politics, working on Biden's first Senate campaign. After graduating with degrees in history, political science, and divinity, he led churches in New Jersey and Africa before becoming a bishop. Jackson's personal life was as eventful as his public one. He was married twice, with two children and three brothers surviving him. His passion for voting rights stemmed from a personal experience in high school, where he lost a student council election by just eight votes, a loss he attributed to low Black voter turnout.