RAINBOW PUSH LEADER RESIGNS

Haynes had succeeded Jackson less than 3 months ago

A Dallas pastor who took over leadership of the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s longtime civil rights organization resigned Tuesday after less than three months on the job.

The Rev. Frederick Haynes III told The Associated Press that he submitted a letter with his resignation as head of the Chicagobased Rainbow PUSH Coalition, effective immediately.

“After a time of prayer and consultation, I felt it was best to step down as president and CEO of Rainbow PUSH,” he said by phone from Texas. “I am forever honored that the Rev. Jackson graciously considered me worthy of following him as president of the organization that he founded.”

Haynes, 63, said he felt it was “necessary” to move on in light of “challenges that continue to exist,” but declined to elaborate further.

“We are grateful to Rev. Haynes for his service and leadership, continuing the work of our founder and President Emeritus Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.,” the organization said Tuesday night. “Our relationship with Rev. Haynes has been blessed by God to last over 30 great years. We remain eternal partners in the fight for peace, civil rights and economic justice.”

Rainbow PUSH said that Jackson’s son Yusef would continue as chief operating officer.

Jackson announced in July that he would step down from the organization he founded more than 50 years ago, and he introduced Haynes as his successor.

Haynes, the pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, was formally installed as president and CEO in a February ceremony in that city. He planned to lead Rainbow PUSH, which advocates for social justice and political activism, from Texas.

Haynes said that even though the formal takeover was in February, he hit the ground running over the summer and hoped he could collaborate with Rainbow PUSH and Jackson in the future.

“He remains one of my heroes. He remains one of the great leaders of all time,” Haynes said.

Jackson, 82, has faced numerous health issues in recent years and has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

ASHLEE REZIN/SUN-TIMES FILE The Rev. Frederick Haynes III chats with the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the Rainbow PUSH Convention at the University of Chicago on July 18, 2023.