Lynchburg Leaders Reflect on Jesse Jackson's Legacy

Community holds vigil to honor civil rights icon and continue his mission

Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Local civil rights and church leaders in Lynchburg, Virginia are hosting a prayer vigil to honor the life and legacy of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson. The event is meant to inspire residents to stay engaged with Jackson's vision of social justice and bringing people together across ideological lines.

Why it matters

Jackson was a prominent civil rights leader who ran for president and founded the Rainbow Coalition to unite people from all walks of life. His activism and message of inclusion remain relevant, especially in communities like Lynchburg that are grappling with issues of racial equity and civic engagement.

The details

The vigil is being organized by Rev. Dr. Hutcherson Jr., who knew Jackson personally. Hutcherson first met Jackson in 1985 after his first presidential run, when Jackson had made an offensive comment toward the Jewish community. Hutcherson arranged for a local rabbi to meet with Jackson, who apologized personally. Jackson's last visit to Lynchburg was in 2017 at Diamond Hill Baptist Church, where the vigil will be held. Though Jackson was then diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, 'he still had his sensibilities' and was serious about continuing his work.

  • The vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Jackson's last visit to Lynchburg was in 2017.

The players

Rev. Dr. Hutcherson Jr.

A local civil rights and church leader who knew Jesse Jackson personally and is organizing the vigil.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader who ran for president and founded the Rainbow Coalition to unite people from all walks of life.

Diamond Hill Baptist Church

The church where the vigil will be held and where Jackson last visited Lynchburg in 2017.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'A call to continue to move forward in this community and to get involved, to get rid of some of that apathy we see on a regular basis.'”

— Rev. Dr. Hutcherson Jr., Organizer of the vigil

“'He and Jesse talked in the car while we were driving over. And he apologized to the rabbi personally. But he said, 'I want to apologize to the larger Jewish community for what I said.''”

— Rev. Dr. Hutcherson Jr., Organizer of the vigil

What’s next

The vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Diamond Hill Baptist Church.

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's legacy of social justice, civil rights, and bringing people together across ideological lines remains relevant in communities like Lynchburg. The vigil aims to inspire residents to continue his mission of active engagement and overcoming apathy.