The Man Who Moved Mountains in Politics and Faith

Reginald Thomas Jackson, a towering figure in both politics and religion, passed away at the age of 71. His influence extended far beyond the pulpit, shaping political landscapes in New Jersey and Georgia.

A Powerful Voice in New Jersey

As the head of the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey, Jackson wielded significant power. He mobilized faith leaders to support or oppose political figures, with his endorsement being a game-changer. His influence could potentially sway the votes of 400,000 churchgoers.

National Impact

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.

Bipartisan Influence

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.

Civil Rights Advocacy

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.

Early Life and Education

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.

Personal Life

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.