MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Tributes are pouring in from South Florida and around the world after the death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson. The pioneering civil rights leader died Tuesday morning with loved ones by his side. He was 84.

A northwest Miami-Dade pastor who knew Jackson for decades remembered his distinctive voice, his courage, and his lifelong fight for justice. Pastor Carl Johnson of the 93rd Street Community Missionary Baptist Church knew Jackson for more than 30 years

“I was in awe, I couldn’t believe God allowed me to meet Rev. Jesse Jackson,” he said. “He was our pioneer, prophetic leader of our time.”

They met at a conference in Chicago and maintained a close relationship, even going to Haiti together in the early 2000s.

“He was advocating for people in Haiti to make sure they get the treatment not only in Miami, but we are looking about you Haiti so that was a great experience,” Johnson said. “You saw the poverty, you saw the needs of people wanting hope and help.”

Johnson stood and marched with Reverend Jackson in downtown Miami when the latter came to visit in 2010 to advocate for economic rights.

“He brought national attention to Miami,” Johnson said. “He inspired men and women to rise up and fight for justice. He had that voice that strong voice, he was very inspirational. He raised up leaders; he was a leader among leaders.”

Johnson said he’ll always remember Jackson’s ability to connect with people and his affection towards all of humanity.

“Martin Luther King is the greatest among us in our culture (who) fought for civil rights, but Rev. Jesse Jackson stands toe to toe with him because he took the baton and he carried it on and he kept raising awareness that we can win, even though it looks like we are losing,” Johnson said.

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Florida, also remembered Jackson on Tuesday.

She said, “As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a legacy that will live on in every ballot cast, every dream realized, and in the continued fight for justice. Reverend Jesse Jackson’s impact will continue to shape our pursuit of equality for generations to come.”

Public observances will be held in Chicago. Final arrangements will be made by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the non-profit social justice organization Rev. Jackson founded in 1971.

His family said Tuesday to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.

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