Held at St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia, Dec. 12 was a moment of tribute and celebration for the hundreds of loved ones gathered in honor of the late Rt. Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, formerly presiding prelate of the Second Episcopal District, who died on Nov. 25.
The 132nd elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), Jackson’s unshakable impact was celebrated through various tributes and testimonies that all but immortalized the religious leader as a global steward of faith and change-making. “[Jackson] was a fearless, resilient political giant who was not afraid to speak truth to power, not afraid to confront injustices, not afraid to stand against dark rulers in high places,” said Dr. Deborah Taylor King, international president of the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society, during a tribute on Dec. 12. “Whether it was at the church house, mission house, courthouse or White House, this ecclesiastical giant served as an unapologetic and unshakable force…anchored by the requirements of God.”
Jackson faithfully served several assignments such as: Ecumenical and Urban Affairs Officer of the AME Church and bishops of the bishop of the Twentieth Episcopal District (Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Uganda), Sixth Episcopal District (Georgia); and most recently, the Second Episcopal District, where he presided over Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia until his death.
In his final year, among a sea of influential actions, Jackson is credited with spearheading the local call for the nationwide “Target Target” boycott.
Beyond the pulpit, the faith leader’s memory lives in the name of a trailblazer, father and dear friend poised to be a lifelong servant of God, “who never lost the common touch,” added Bishop Michael Mitchell, presiding prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District.
In a social media tribute, the Rev. Al Sharpton, president and founder of the National Action Network, applauded “a friend and brother in the struggle” for his towering devotion to justice, service “and the empowerment of our people.”
Jackson is succeeded by his two children, Regina Victoria Jackson and Seth Joshua Jackson.
The Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright will return to the Second Episcopal District, vacating his episcopal assignment in the Thirteenth Episcopal District.
Reflecting on a rich life and powerful legacy, King offered her parting words to someone she considers far more than a pivotal voice of ministry, but “a fallen drum major for justice.”
“Thank you, Bishop Jackson, for leading the charge through sanctuaries and political arenas….for challenging us to rise up, to speak up, and to act for such a time as this,” she said.
A full profile on The Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright will be published in the Dec. 25 edition of The Washington Informer.
Thank you for covering Bishop Jackson.