2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103275D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 114

Offered February 18, 2026

Commending the Reverend Dr. Roberta Young-Jackson.

—————

Patron—Jones

—————

WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Roberta Young-Jackson, an esteemed faith leader, was installed as the pastor of First Union Baptist Church of Richmond in 2025; and

WHEREAS, a native of Southport, North Carolina, Roberta Young-Jackson holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, as well as master's degrees in divinity and Christian education and a doctor of ministry degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University; and

WHEREAS, Roberta Young-Jackson served her country with honor and distinction for 27 years as a member of the United States Army Reserve, including two tours of active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel; and

WHEREAS, for 22 years, Roberta Young-Jackson was a hardworking member of the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond, where she retired as an information technology project manager on October 1, 2021; and

WHEREAS, after answering the call to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Roberta Young-Jackson was licensed and ordained to preach at First Union Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, on June 28, 2025, the congregation of First Union Baptist Church elected Roberta Young-Jackson to serve as its next pastor, making her the first female pastor to lead the church in its 150-year history; and

WHEREAS, on November 2, 2025, First Union Baptist Church commemorated its 150th anniversary as it installed Roberta Young-Jackson as its pastor, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the historic church; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Reverend Dr. Roberta Young-Jackson as she begins her tenure as pastor at First Union Baptist Church; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Dr. Roberta Young-Jackson as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her contributions to the Commonwealth and best wishes for her success.