Greenville Pastor Remembers Reverend Jesse Jackson as Mentor and Friend

Thompson says Jackson paved the way for many and instilled a sense of pride.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dr. U.A. Thompson, a Greenville pastor and cousin of the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, reflects on Jackson's legacy as a civil rights leader, mentor, and friend. Thompson says Jackson was there for him as a father figure and provided an "invitation" for others to join the fight for equality and democracy.

Why it matters

Reverend Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and continuing the fight for racial justice and equality in America. His passing is a significant loss, and hearing from those close to him, like his cousin the Greenville pastor, provides insight into Jackson's lasting impact and influence.

The details

Thompson says he knew Jackson "without a shadow of a doubt" and that Jackson "closed his eyes on this side and awakened them in heaven." He describes Jackson as providing an "invitation" for people to "sit at tables" and be part of the fight for democracy and the America that can "eventually become." Thompson will miss having someone to turn to who has "experienced it, and rose above it."

  • Reverend Jackson was present on the day of Martin Luther King Jr.'s death.

The players

Dr. U.A. Thompson

A Greenville pastor and cousin of the late Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Reverend Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader, close friend of Martin Luther King Jr., and political activist who paved the way for many and instilled a sense of pride.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I know without a shadow of a doubt, he closed his eyes on this side and awakened them in heaven.”

— Dr. U.A. Thompson, Greenville Pastor (wyff4.com)

“Reverend Jackson provided the invitation for us all to come on in. Sit at tables.”

— Dr. U.A. Thompson, Greenville Pastor (wyff4.com)

“But he instilled a sense of pride. I am somebody. He would want us to keep fighting, fight for democracy, fight for the America that we know that America can and will eventually become.”

— Dr. U.A. Thompson, Greenville Pastor (wyff4.com)

The takeaway

Reverend Jesse Jackson's passing is a significant loss, but his lasting legacy as a civil rights leader, mentor, and friend who inspired others to fight for equality and democracy will continue to live on through the words and actions of those he impacted, like his cousin the Greenville pastor.