Retired Bethel Baptist Church Pastor Remembers Longtime Friend Jesse Jackson

Pastor Tommy Lewis reflects on his decades-long friendship with the civil rights leader and former presidential candidate.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Pastor Tommy Lewis, the now retired leader of Bethel Baptist Church in Pratt City, Alabama, shared memories of his longtime friend, the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Lewis and Jackson had been close for decades, traveling together during Jackson's presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, as well as to Africa. Lewis recalled Jackson's ability to connect with people of all backgrounds and his lifelong commitment to the civil rights movement.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, continuing the work of his mentor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and using his platform to advocate for social and economic justice. His friendship with Pastor Lewis provides a personal perspective on Jackson's legacy and impact.

The details

Lewis shared photos of the two men together, including one from March 2025 when Jackson, despite poor health, made sure to attend the annual Bloody Sunday Bridge Crossing commemoration in Selma. Lewis described Jackson's dedication to visiting him in Birmingham, not wanting to stay anywhere else. The two men reminisced about traveling together during Jackson's presidential campaigns and witnessing his ability to connect with diverse audiences, including white farmers in Iowa. Lewis also spoke about Jackson's work with the Rainbow Coalition and his efforts to pressure companies to improve their hiring practices and workforce diversity.

  • In 1984 and 1988, Lewis traveled with Jackson during his presidential campaigns.
  • In March 2025, the two men were photographed together ahead of the Bloody Sunday Bridge Crossing commemoration in Selma.

The players

Pastor Tommy Lewis

The now retired leader of Bethel Baptist Church in Pratt City, Alabama, and a longtime friend of Jesse Jackson.

Reverend Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader and former presidential candidate who was a close friend of Pastor Lewis for decades.

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What they’re saying

“That was a highlight for him because when my wife and I walked in, he looked and he was trying to get up out of the chair, and I just started running toward him because I knew that was not going to happen. And he grabbed my hand and he looked at me and he said, this might be my last time coming. But I had to come here before I went there.”

— Pastor Tommy Lewis (wbrc.com)

“And those folks got off those pickup trucks and they were so happy. I'd never seen white people respond to him like that, especially farmers. And they just start saying, run, Jesse, run. And so we joined in, run, Jesse, run.”

— Pastor Tommy Lewis (wbrc.com)

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's lifelong dedication to the civil rights movement and his ability to connect with people of all backgrounds left a lasting impact, as evidenced by the deep friendship and admiration shared by Pastor Tommy Lewis. Jackson's work to advocate for social and economic justice continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.