18/02/2026
🕊️FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE🕊️
🖊️ Official Statement from Rev. Chauncey DeMonte Brown regarding the transition of Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr.
February 18th, 2026
Indianapolis,IN -It is with profound sorrow, deep reverence, and enduring gratitude that I issue this official statement on the passing of my father in the movement, my leader, my hero, my mentor, my friend, my brother, the Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr..
To have had the privilege of walking behind him, and the honor of walking beside him, is among the greatest blessings of my life.
I served faithfully as his assistant, driver, confidant, advisor, and by his personal appointment, as National Director of the “1000 Churches Connected Initiative.”That role was not merely functional. It was formative. It was sacred stewardship. Together, we mobilized pulpits and communities in the name of justice, dignity, and moral courage. You placed your name on me, and ensured I was part of your legacy.
Traveling across this country at his side, I witnessed history moving through a man. From sanctuary platforms to national stages, from private strategy sessions to public prophetic declarations, he demonstrated that faith must have feet. That prayer must produce policy. Press conference after press conference; Rev. literally found a way to organize, institutionalize, and mobilize HOPE.
In public, he was a giant of conscience.
In private, he was a father and a friend.
You loved my family, my children were your grandchildren; and I don’t take for granted your love for them.
You gave me space in your life, and afforded me your platform, and I expressed my gratitude daily; You’re at peace therefore I must be.
We shared miles and meals. We shared laughter that lifted the load of the movement. I sat in his home, and he sat in mine. The late nights and early mornings doing the work; There were sacred conversations that will remain etched in my spirit forever.
I will never forget when Rev. shared, “Rev. Brown, Chauncey… you and Cameron are much like I was to Dr. King. We’ve got work to do buddy.” Sticking his hand out for a hand-shake with that look only he had; such words from a man who stood in the shadow and strength of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is not a compliment. It is a commission. It is a covenant.
Through his leadership at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition , and through the millions of people he personally connected through hope, he taught us to “Keep Hope Alive” not as a slogan, but as a disciplined way of living, leading, and loving.
There will be a time to strategize.
There will be a time to mobilize.
There will be a time to organize, to assemble, and to advance the work he so faithfully carried.
But today, I mourn.
Today, I grieve not only a civil rights icon, but a father in the movement. It was said, “Grief is the price we pay for loving deeply.” And I loved him deeply. 💔
Through tear stained eyes, I stand on the eternal truth of Scripture: “The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”
While heaven has received a faithful servant, earth has lost a moral compass. Yet the work remains. The charge remains. The hope remains.
I had the privilege of walking behind him.
I had the honor of walking beside him.
I became part of the tutelage of the Rev.
And by God’s grace, I will walk forward carrying what he placed in my hands.
Reverend… take your rest. Your legacy is engraved, exponentially growing, and shall forever live.🕊️
🙏🏽 Please, keep Mrs. J, His children, family, and the entirety of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in your prayers.
The Rainbow continues, it’s dimmed, yet it still lives, Keep Hope Alive✊🏽 The PUSH is on✊🏽
Your Buddy,
Rev. Chauncey DeMonte Brown
Candidate for Warren Precinct 023 Committeeman and District 28 State Delegate
📧 | [email protected]
14/02/2026
13/02/2026