Rev. Jesse Jackson Steps Down as President of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, has announced his decision to step down as president. The organization confirmed this development, emphasizing Jackson’s unwavering commitment to social justice and his intention to focus on teaching ministers to continue the fight for freedom and equality.
During the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s weekly radio broadcast, Jackson revealed his plans for a transition, expressing his desire to bring in a new president to lead the organization. He emphasized the importance of growth and prosperity, highlighting the need to build upon the foundations established over the years.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2):format(webp)/rev-jesse-jackson-3-0bf67dc5013f4202833af5ad501275ca.jpg)
Illinois Democratic Rep. Jonathan Jackson, one of Rev. Jackson’s sons, stated that a successor has been appointed, with a formal announcement scheduled for Sunday. Rev. Jackson’s current health and condition played a role in the determination to appoint a successor.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, Rev. Jackson has been an inspiration and advocate for social justice. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which originated from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Operation Breadbasket, will introduce Jackson’s successor during its annual international convention in Chicago.
The convention will also feature a tribute to Rev. Jackson, honoring his 35 years of dedicated service as president since his nomination in 1988. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a result of merging Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Organization, is dedicated to improving the economic conditions of Black communities in the United States.
Rev. Jackson’s legacy includes his significant contributions to civil rights, marching alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. His relentless efforts were recognized when President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000. Additionally, Rev. Jackson ran as a Democratic presidential candidate in 1984 and served as a shadow U.S. senator for Washington D.C. from 1991 to 1997.
