03/03/2026
BGCVA OFFICIAL STATEMENT & CALL TO ACTION- OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
In Honor of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.
From the President, Baptist General Convention of Virginia (BGCVA)
The Jackson Family has issued a sacred and urgent call, that communities across our nation do more than mourn the passing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., but that we initiate a movement of moral courage, social responsibility, and collective action.
As President of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia (BGCVA), representing 1,079 churches across the Commonwealth, I wholeheartedly embrace and amplify this call.
Reverend Jackson devoted his life to building bridges of justice, lifting the fallen, giving voice to the voiceless, and reminding generations, especially our youth, that they are somebody. His life embodied the prophetic mandate of Scripture: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Therefore, I am calling upon every BGCVA congregation to stand Shoulder to Shoulder and organize Calls to Action gatherings in their local communities in the days and weeks ahead. These gatherings should focus on the following:
*Prayer and prophetic witness
*Justice-centered community dialogue
*Youth empowerment and affirmation
*Civic engagement and moral leadership
*Healing and reconciliation
In Lynchburg, Virginia, we have already answered this call by hosting “A Farewell to Our Freedom Fighter: A Community Call to Action Prayer Vigil,” uniting clergy, elected officials, civic leaders, and community partners across political, racial, and denominational lines. This model demonstrates that unity is possible when purpose is clear and justice is the goal.
To further support and resource our churches, I am asking BGCVA Chair of Social Justice, Toni Burruss, to assist any congregation or organization seeking guidance, tools, and strategies to address the major community concerns identified by BGCVA. Churches desiring support are encouraged to contact the BGCVA Office for resources, partnerships, and planning assistance. Chair Burruss can also be reached at [email protected].
Let us honor Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. not merely with words, but with work. Not merely with remembrance, but with renewed resolve. Not merely with mourning, but with movement.
May his legacy live on through our collective action, moral clarity, and courageous love.
Keep Hope Alive.
Shoulder to Shoulder.
Justice for All.
Respectfully,
Rev. Dr. James E. Coleman, Jr.
President
Baptist General Convention of Virginia
Representing 1,079 Churches Across the Commonwealth
