The Rev. Jesse Jackson made the surprising announcement on Saturday that he will be stepping down as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the well-known civil rights group he founded over 50 years ago in Chicago. Jackson, now 81 years old, revealed his decision during a heartfelt farewell speech at the coalition’s annual convention. The event paid tribute to his immense contributions with moving songs, kind words from fellow Black activists and politicians, and a touching video montage of Jackson’s historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988.
With his daughter, Santita Jackson, and son, U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, by his side, the once-fiery orator delivered his final remarks in a much softer tone due to his recent health challenges, which have forced him to use a wheelchair. Though his words were difficult to hear, Jackson expressed his enduring belief in the worth of every individual and urged an end to violence and the protection of children, emphasizing that we are all somebody deserving of respect and love.
Following Jackson’s resignation, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition announced that the esteemed Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes, a long-time student and supporter of Jackson, would assume the leadership position. Haynes currently serves as the pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, according to the church’s website.
Unfortunately, in recent years, Jackson has experienced a series of health setbacks, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease eight years ago. In 2021 alone, he underwent gallbladder surgery, battled a COVID-19 infection that necessitated physical therapy, and suffered a head injury from a fall at Howard University. However, despite these challenges, Jackson has remained an influential advocate for civil rights and an indomitable voice in American politics for several decades.
As a protégé of the legendary Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson parted ways with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1971 to establish Operation PUSH (originally named People United to Save Humanity) on Chicago’s South Side. The organization later became known as the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Their mission encompasses a wide range of pursuits, including promoting diversity in corporate hiring and conducting voter registration drives in communities of color.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jackson has been at the forefront of the modern civil rights movement, fighting for essential causes such as voting rights and education. He has demonstrated his commitment by standing alongside George Floyd’s family at a memorial service and actively participating in COVID-19 vaccination drives to combat vaccine hesitancy within the Black community.
Prior to Barack Obama’s historic election as the nation’s first Black president in 2008, Jackson was the most successful Black presidential candidate, securing 13 primaries and caucuses during his spirited campaign for the 1988 Democratic nomination, which ultimately went to Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis.
In his farewell speech, Jackson assured the audience that while he may be resigning from his current position, he intends to continue his essential work on social justice issues. He specifically mentioned advocating for the survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre who recently had their lawsuit seeking reparations dismissed by a judge. “We’re resigning, we’re not retiring,” Jackson declared, emphasizing his ongoing dedication to fighting for justice.
Ron Daniels, a member of the National African-American Reparations Commission, described Jackson as a “synthesis” of two influential civil rights leaders, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Daniels praised Jackson for his exceptional political strategy and his ability to effectively communicate with people from all walks of life.
Marcia Fudge, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, expressed her gratitude to Jackson for paving the way for Black politicians like herself. She commended his unwavering courage and reminded the audience that he never abandoned the cause, regardless of the challenges he faced.
Santita Jackson passionately urged those in attendance to carry on her father’s legacy and continue the fight for equality. She posed a powerful question, asking, “What are you going to do?” and challenging everyone to take action.
In conclusion, Rev. Jesse Jackson’s decision to step down as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition marks the end of a significant era in civil rights leadership. However, his resignation does not signify an end to his lifelong dedication to social justice causes. As the coalition transitions under the leadership of Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes, Jackson plans to forge ahead, advocating for the disenfranchised and fighting for a fairer and more equitable society. His impact on American politics and the civil rights movement will continue to be felt, inspiring future generations to strive for a better world.
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