As Rainbow Push coalition gears up for its Annual Convention, which kicked off Friday, July 14, celebrating the 35th Reunion Reception at 6:30 pm-8:00 pm held at its home office and closes Wednesday, July 18 with its traditional Women’s Luncheon featuring guest speaker Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. A discussion of health inequities will present an opportunity for the Lt Governor to express her responsibility of overseeing the administration’s Justice, Equity, and Opportunity Initiative; chairing the board of the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew Program; and leading office initiatives that address the needs of Illinoisans in particular the health inequities in Chicago.
The convention as is its tradition will examine issues facing African Americans and the world. Convention highlights include the opening Reception Friday evening to welcome attendees and set the tone for the next coming days. Saturday begins with a Continental Breakfast,and the Champions will be there. The formal opening of the convention follows and then lunch, which will highlight the “Keep Hope Alive: The Jackson Presidential Campaign Legacy Panel.” He launched his presidential campaign in 1984 revealing, his faith in the strength of Blacks and their power to influence. Consequently, several Black Civil Rights leaders did not endorseJackson because they did not believe that he could win. The significance and value of his run was the strategy to stay in the race, present a platform that would enhance the lives of Blacks in America, and spelling out the numerous deficient actions that lawmakers failed to take creating a schism between Blacks and whites. Finally, his participation in the Democratic nominee' debates that Black people witnessed, which unknowingly helped to plant the vision of a future Black president in their consciousness.The presentation will obliviously serve to present how Rev Jackson’s unprecedented run for President as not only bold but bodacious and ballsy certainly, set the stage laying the groundwork for the future of Barack Obama’s successful Presidential run.
Some other major program segments are the Clergy Luncheon, the Financial Discussion, and of course the Sunday afternoon with Vice President Kamal Harris at the Apostolic Church of God.
CNW sat down with Rev. Jackson, who spoke very candidly with us. In transition, the iconic, brilliant, charismatic Reverend Jesse Jackson has shifted gears and passed on the presidency of Rainbow PUSH, to the Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, a senior pastor of Friendship at West Baptist Church in Dallas. The Reverend Jackson informed us along with Mrs. Jackson that this journey has always been a ‘Human Rights’ struggle for Blacks to assume their rightful place on the human spectrum in the world.’ Mrs. Jackson said, “We focus on our experience because it is our struggle, but we are conscientious about all oppressed people and include them in our fight for human justice.”
Rev. Jackson, 81, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017. Since then, the disease has progressed and though his mind is as powerful as ever, his energy level is different and the long hours, the robust energy level and drive that has propelled him all the years prior to this moment in his life has waned. These factors challenge his ability to articulate in the manner he's been accustomed. Intelligent man that he is has chosen to pass the baton, but will remain constant in his contribution to the organization as counsel to the president, as a wise pivotal move.
“As the founder of Rainbow PUSH,” a spokesperson shared with CNW,“let it be clear that, his commitment is unwavering, and he will elevate his life's work in teaching ministers how to fight for social justice.”
Rev. Jackson expressed that his mission, "is what is best for our people, For America and the world-- and the recent Supreme Court decisions, make it clear that Rainbow Push is needed more than ever.”
Rev. Jackson’s life and career will be highlighted in celebration of his contribution to humanity this weekend at the 57th annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition convention, where his successor will be introduced."
For detailed information go to: https://www.rainbowpush.org/convention_home
