Rainbow Push Announces New Head of Organization to Succeed Pastor Jesse Jackson; Annual Conference Begins Saturday

Chicago (WLS) — This year’s Rainbow Push Coalition annual convention has historic significance as its founder, Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., is set to introduce his successor on Sunday.

A spokeswoman for the group said Jackson plans to transition to honorary membership. Addressing attendees on Saturday, he said he was neither resigning nor retiring, but was making room for a new leader.

“We have work to do,” Jackson said. “We are not retreating. We are expanding.”

With offices in Chicago and around the world, Jackson has led civil rights organizations for more than 50 years.

“We have the opportunity to talk to him, listen to him, and listen to him before he brings up these stories,” said the pastor’s daughter, Santita Jackson.

US Congressman Jonathan Jackson, the pastor’s son, also spoke.

“He always reminds me that there is no word ‘retirement’ in the Bible, so as long as God gives him the strength, he will keep fighting,” he said.

On Sunday, Mr. Jackson will name Frederick Haynes III, Reverend of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, to succeed him.

The challenge for Reverend Freddie Haynes is to bring that same personal touch and build on the shoulders of this great and iconic figure, Reverend Jesse Jackson,” said Greater.・ Pastor Ira Ackley of St. John Bible Church said. .

Hermen Hartmann, founder and publisher of N’Digo, also weighed in.

“He has to take on a lot of responsibility. I think it would be great for him to keep the job, but there will be no replacement for Jesse Jackson,” Hartman said.

In addition to Reverend Haynes’ arrival on Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris will also witness the formal change of leadership of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.