Riviera Beach Leader Remembers Rev. Jesse Jackson's Legacy in Palm Beach County

Bishop Thomas Masters recounts marching with Jackson and his impact on the community.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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As the country mourns the passing of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, Riviera Beach Bishop and former Mayor Thomas Masters reflects on his time with Jackson, including marching together in West Palm Beach during the 2000 presidential recount and traveling to Nelson Mandela's funeral. Masters describes Jackson as a man of love and principle who was never afraid to stand up for people of all backgrounds.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, and his death marks the passing of another iconic leader. Masters' recollections provide a local perspective on Jackson's impact and legacy in the Palm Beach County community.

The details

In 2000, during the controversial Bush-Gore presidential recount, Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke and marched in West Palm Beach, with Bishop Thomas Masters marching alongside him. A few days later, they traveled together to the funeral of Nelson Mandela. Masters described Jackson as a man of love and principle who was never afraid to stand up for people of all races and backgrounds.

  • In 2000, Jackson spoke and marched in West Palm Beach during the presidential recount.
  • A few days later, Jackson and Masters traveled together to the funeral of Nelson Mandela.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A civil rights icon and leader in the African-American community.

Bishop Thomas Masters

The local bishop in Riviera Beach, Florida, and a former mayor of the city.

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What they’re saying

“We marched together downtown West Palm Beach. A few days later, we were on the plane together to the funeral of Nelson Mandela.”

— Bishop Thomas Masters, Bishop and former Mayor of Riviera Beach (wpbf.com)

“If you ever think of Jesse Jackson, the reverend, you think of a man of love. He exemplified, he epitomized love. Black, brown, yellow, or red, he always said, we are all precious in God's sight.”

— Bishop Thomas Masters, Bishop and former Mayor of Riviera Beach (wpbf.com)

What’s next

The New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church plans to hold a dedicated service to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy.

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's passing marks the loss of another iconic civil rights leader, but his message of love and unity for people of all backgrounds will continue to inspire the Riviera Beach community and beyond.