* Tribune…
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight years ago, is stepping down from the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, the influential Chicago-based civil rights organization he founded through its predecessor, Operation PUSH, more than 50 years ago.
After ceding day-to-day operations last year, Jackson, 81, is formally handing the reins to a successor who is expected to be announced this weekend at the annual Rainbow/PUSH convention, sources close to the organization said Friday.
Headquartered in a former temple in the Kenwood neighborhood on the South Side, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition has long been Jackson’s national advocacy platform to promote economic, educational and political change, including two groundbreaking campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 1980s.
Now the organization’s mission, and its future, will be vested in new hands.
* Sun-Times…
One of his sons, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., said Friday there “is a determination made that in his current health and condition that he has appointed a successor and will formally announce it Sunday.” […]
The representative said his father “has forever been on the scene of justice and has never stopped fighting for civil rights” and that will be “his mark upon history.” […]
Jackson’s public activism began decades ago, when he was one of the “Greenville Eight,” a group of Black students (Jackson was a college freshman at North Carolina A&T) protesting at the whites-only public library in Greenville, South Carolina, where Jackson grew up.
In the years since, he remained active in the movement, formed Operation PUSH in 1971, ran for president twice and has, multiple times, successfully negotiated for the release of U.S. citizens being held hostage abroad. The Rainbow Coalition, which grew out of his 1984 presidential campaign, merged with PUSH in 1996.
* The Crusader…
Jackson, who was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017, made the announcement on the weekly PUSH broadcast and afterward to volunteers working on the 57th annual convention, being held from July 15 to July 19. The theme of the international convention is “The Perilous Journey From Freedom to Equality.”
During the convention on Monday, July 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jackson will receive the highest civilian award from the country of Colombia. Two years ago he received a similar award from France. The award presentation will take place at the University of Chicago’s David Rubinstein Forum, 1201 E. 60th St.
“It is quite impactful to have nations to reward Reverend Jackson for his global work. It is a testament to his day-to-day tenacity,” said Bishop Tavis Grant, acting national executive director of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. […]
On Friday, July 14, at 6 p.m., and Saturday, July 15, at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Jackson will be honored for his 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Delegates from around the country are coming, and we’re excited,” said Grant, who in 1984 was a student organizer. In 1988, Grant participated in the “Jackson Action” campaign run by Jesse Jackson, Jr.
On Saturday, Grant said, “There will be a reunion of campaign workers, people who through sweat, energy and commitment believed in the campaign of Reverend Jackson and the Jackson doctrine we call progressive politics today.”
* Fox Chicago…
The news of Jackson’s resignation comes as the Rainbow PUSH Coalition prepares to host their annual international convention at the University of Chicago’s David Rubinstein Forum this weekend.
The 81-year-old said he plans to announce the new president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition within the next few weeks.
* CBS Chicago…
Jackson created Operation PUSH in 1971 in an effort to improve the economic and political lives of Black Americans.
Jackson went on to found the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984, after his first run for president. The group was formed to seek equal rights for all Americans, and to demand social programs, voting rights, and affirmative action for minorities left out by “Reaganomics,” according to the Rainbow/PUSH website.
The two nonprofits merged in 1996 with Jackson at the helm.
…Adding… Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson…
“The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is an architect of the soul of Chicago. Through decades of service, he has led the Rainbow PUSH Coalition at the forefront of the struggle for civil rights and social justice. His faith, his perseverance, his love, and his relentless dedication to people inspire all of us to keep pushing for a better tomorrow.
The reverend is a mentor, and a friend, and I thank him for all he has done for the people of our city, and our country.”
- Perrid - Friday, Jul 14, 23 @ 12:26 pm:
Tribune and Crusader don’t agree on when the diagnosis was, 6 or 8 years ago. Wikipedia agrees with the Crusader, 2017.
Wishing the reverend well. He’s had a full life to be proud of, time to take it a bit easier
- low level - Friday, Jul 14, 23 @ 12:33 pm:
He certainly changed the Democratic party…. One thing I’ll never forget is his 1988 convention speech. Very moving, even for a centrist like myself. Best wishes in retirement to the Reverend.
- Nick - Friday, Jul 14, 23 @ 12:40 pm:
A giant, whatever your opinion of him.
- H-W - Friday, Jul 14, 23 @ 1:14 pm:
I have always loved Rev. Jackson, since my teens. His message of love always resonates.
My mother was also born in Greenville, SC, at the same time. She knew of him early on, and made sure I knew of his works for civil rights and civil justice. I was teaching in Decatur and assigning service learning in its inner city (the Old Kings Orchard). When the kids got in a fight in the stands at a football game (six kids attacked another) and were expelled for “gang behavior” for 2 years, Reverend came to town. He and community leaders with whom I worked, from the Black churches, were able to convince the school board that two years was immoral and destructive. Two years meant none would graduate and do better.
I met Rev. Jackson myself at that point. I joined the Rainbow/PUSH organization then, briefly.
His is a righteous oath for all of us Illinoisans to reflect on, and pursue. He will forever be remembered always for is active works, not just his words. Ya did good, Rev. More than most even imagine.
- H-W - Friday, Jul 14, 23 @ 1:16 pm:
Rats. “oath” was intended to be “path.”
- Proud Papa Bear - Friday, Jul 14, 23 @ 1:22 pm:
I grew up in a household with nothing but rage for Jesse Jackson. It took me years to see him objectively and to appreciate his work.
Well-earned retirement, Reverend.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jul 14, 23 @ 1:29 pm:
History and time will revisit Jackson, from the Motel in Memphis, to Presidential candidate, and the years after, Jackson’s mark on history, and making his own history, it can’t be denied that Jackson was one not talking but doing, not just a face but a voice who’s words have and had weight in this changing America.
Wishing him well, he’s earned his rest.
- Steve - Friday, Jul 14, 23 @ 1:54 pm:
I wish Jesse Jackson the best. Dealing with Parkinson’s isn’t easy. Jesse Jackson , whether you like him or not, has made a big contribution to America’s political landscape. He spoke up when others would not. He raised questions when others would not. He also never forget his Chicago roots, which to me suggests he’s a lot more genuine than many political figures.
- Dotnonymous x - Friday, Jul 14, 23 @ 1:57 pm:
Jesse Jackson put his life on the line…with utmost courage.
- West Sider - Friday, Jul 14, 23 @ 2:20 pm:
Like Cool Papa, I grew up in a world which feared Reverend Jackson, and what they believed he represented. I believe that, in so many ways both nationally and internationally he made the world a better place. At enormous risk to himself and his family. The man has guts. Respect.
- fence company norman - Wednesday, Aug 2, 23 @ 6:54 am:
A true champion of civil rights and justice. Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy will inspire generations to come. Thank you for your unwavering dedication.