The Rev. Frederick Haynes III, a pastor hailing from Dallas, has tendered his resignation from the Rainbow-PUSH Coalition, less than three months into his leadership role.
Haynes, 63, announced his departure on Friday, expressing his ongoing commitment to the organization’s mission of advancing social justice and honoring the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, who founded the coalition.
Rev. Jesse Jackson (Credits: Orlando Sentinel)
Jackson, aged 82, had announced his decision to step down last July due to health concerns, including his battle with Parkinson’s disease. As a longtime advocate for civil rights and a close confidant of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson founded Operation PUSH in 1971, later evolving it into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition based in Chicago.
The coalition has historically been dedicated to promoting minority and human rights, from facilitating voter registration drives within communities of color to advocating for peace initiatives, such as during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Jesse Jackson (Credits: Chicago Sun-Times)
In response to Haynes’s resignation, Jackson expressed gratitude for his service and leadership, highlighting their enduring relationship spanning over three decades. Jackson affirmed that his son, Yusef Jackson, will continue serving as the organization’s chief operating officer.
Looking ahead, Jackson emphasized the coalition’s steadfast commitment to advancing social and economic justice, asserting its dedication to promoting peace and defending civil rights on both domestic and international fronts.
