Ashley Jackson, daughter of the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, completed her conversion to Judaism on June 12, according to a Washington Post op-ed published yesterday. She now goes by Miriam Jessica (Yiska) and says she aims to rebuild ties between the Jewish and Black communities.
Ashley Jackson, daughter of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, revealed her conversion to Judaism in a Washington Post op-ed published yesterday. She completed the conversion on June 12 and announced her new Hebrew name: Miriam Jessica (Yiska).
In the op-ed, Jackson stated that she considers Judaism the true religion and intends to dedicate her life to rebuilding bridges between the Jewish and Black communities, which she said have been strained by progressive politics. She noted that her late father, who passed away in February 2025, supported her journey, attended Shabbat services at her synagogue, and wept when the congregation spontaneously stood to bless him.
The conversion was conducted by a rabbi whose denomination was not specified in the source material. The Washington Post op-ed is the primary source; the source relaying the report is the only available receipt.
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