Valley Leaders Reflect on Life of Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson

Reverends, activists, and community members remember Jackson's impact on the Mahoning Valley and beyond

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Local leaders in the Mahoning Valley of Ohio are mourning the passing of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and reflecting on his life's work and legacy. Reverend Kenneth L. Simon, pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, Penny Wells of the Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past organization, Reverend Todd Johnson, and Annette McCoy of the Trumbull County NAACP all shared personal stories and insights about Jackson's influence in the region and nationally as a champion of social justice, economic empowerment, and political representation for marginalized communities.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, carrying on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and advocating for greater inclusion and opportunity for Black Americans and other underrepresented groups. His presidential campaigns in the 1980s helped inspire a new generation, and his local connections to Ohio's Mahoning Valley underscore his broad impact across the country.

The details

Jackson had deep ties to the Mahoning Valley through his work with local civil rights leaders like Reverend Lonnie K.A. Simon, who served as Jackson's campaign coordinator in the region during his 1984 and 1988 presidential bids. Jackson also visited New Bethel Baptist Church in 2004 to dedicate the congregation's new sanctuary. Local leaders recalled Jackson's personable nature, his commitment to social justice causes like voting rights and fair housing, and his ability to connect with and uplift marginalized communities.

  • Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988.
  • Jackson visited New Bethel Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio in 2004.
  • Jackson was on the Lorraine Motel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968, shortly before the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

The players

Reverend Kenneth L. Simon

Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio, whose father Reverend Lonnie K.A. Simon was Jackson's local campaign coordinator.

Penny Wells

Executive director of the Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past organization and longtime civil rights activist.

Reverend Todd Johnson

Local pastor and Warren, Ohio city councilman who was inspired by Jackson from a young age.

Annette McCoy

President of the Trumbull County Chapter of the NAACP and third vice president for the state NAACP.

Jesse Jackson

Civil rights leader, founder of the National Rainbow Coalition, and two-time presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988.

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What they’re saying

“When you lose one, it hurts your heart. We're the ones who have the baton now.”

— Reverend Kenneth L. Simon, Pastor, New Bethel Baptist Church (tribtoday.com)

“It's sad in today's time to see those voices kind of dissipating.”

— Penny Wells, Executive Director, Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past (tribtoday.com)

“His passing is a great loss to our country. I remember as a child seeing him on television and reading about him.”

— Reverend Todd Johnson, Pastor and Warren City Councilman (tribtoday.com)

“He is someone who will be remembered globally. He was a connector for so many communities and a voice for change.”

— Annette McCoy, President, Trumbull County NAACP (tribtoday.com)

What’s next

The Mahoning Valley community plans to honor Jesse Jackson's legacy through continued advocacy and activism, passing the 'baton' to the next generation to carry on his work for social justice and civil rights.

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's life and leadership left an indelible mark on the Mahoning Valley and the nation, inspiring local leaders and activists to redouble their efforts to address inequality, empower marginalized communities, and fulfill the unfinished work of the civil rights movement.