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In Chicago, a significant chapter unfolded for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition this past Saturday. The occasion marked the inaugural weekly meeting with Yusef Jackson at the helm, steering the coalition into its next phase.
Held at the coalition’s headquarters on Chicago’s South Side, the meeting captured the attention of attendees as a range of pressing issues was addressed. This was the first session presided over by Jackson, the newly appointed president and CEO, symbolizing a new direction for the organization.
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Open to the public, the Saturday Forum continues a long-standing tradition initiated by the coalition’s late founder, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. It serves as a platform for community engagement and discussion.
During the gathering, there was a strong call to action, emphasizing the need for active participation within the organization as it transitions under the leadership of Jesse Jackson Sr.’s son. The event underscored the organization’s commitment to tackling current challenges while honoring its storied legacy.
The gathering urged action within the organization, now officially under the leadership of Jackson Sr.’s son.
This week, the organization’s board voted unanimously for Yusef Jackson to be the new president and CEO.
“Emotionally, I never imagined doing this work without my father around,” Yusef Jackson said.
On Saturday, Yusef Jackson brought together several speakers from a mentoring teen group called RISE UP to share positive work being done by Chicago’s young at Kenwood Academy High School.
City Clerk Anna Valencia was also invited to share information about Amnesty April for Chicagoans to avoid late fees and back charges on city stickers for their cars.
Another topic was concern about war.
“The violence needs to end,” said Shayna Lewis, National Director of Win Without War. “Too many lives have already been lost. Too much remains at risk.”
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Yusef Jackson had been serving as COO of Rainbow PUSH for the last two years.
“The challenges we face are enormous there is a tremendous roll back of the rights we have,” Yusef Jackson said. “I don’t want this to be the end of the third reconstruction, and so we must fight.”
“I know he’s gonna do a great job, because the PUSH is for real, and his father’s blood is in him,” Rainbow PUSH member Nina Johnson said. “He’s got it… and we are behind him.”
“He spoke on a lot of issues that are impacting our community, and I know he’ll be the one to effect the change that we need,” Rainbow PUSH member Antonio Lee said.
Rev. Jackson’s legacy continues with his son at the helm, as members prepare for the Rainbow PUSH annual conference in June.
“We need all of us to continue the work, because if not, we are going to lose all the gains that we’ve made,” Rainbow PUSH member Eunice Wigfall said.
“We will rise, together. Together, we will rise,” Yusef Jackson said.
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