Jesse Jackson, the civil rights icon and former presidential candidate, is stepping down as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. He will announce his retirement at the organization’s annual convention in Chicago on Sunday. Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1971 to improve the economic conditions of black communities in the United States. He later launched the National Rainbow Coalition to strive for equal rights for all Americans.
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition has been involved in various civil rights causes, including voting rights, economic justice, and criminal justice reform. It has also been an outspoken critic of racism and discrimination. However, Jackson’s retirement comes at a time when the civil rights movement faces new challenges. The rise of Donald Trump and the Republican Party has emboldened white supremacists and hate groups. Additionally, the Black Lives Matter movement has highlighted the ongoing issue of police brutality against black people.
Despite these challenges, Jackson remains optimistic about the future of the civil rights movement. He expressed confidence in the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s continued fight for justice and equality. The organization’s board of directors is expected to announce Jackson’s successor in the coming weeks.
Jackson’s retirement is a significant moment in the history of the civil rights movement. As a towering figure in the movement, his work has had a profound impact on millions of lives. While his retirement will be a loss, his legacy will continue to inspire activists for generations to come.
