Chicago’s legacy of civil rights leadership is entering a new chapter.
Yusef Jackson has officially been named President and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, taking the reins from his late father, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., whose name remains tied to decades of activism, advocacy, and community mobilization.
A LEGACY PASSED DOWN
The announcement came with unanimous support from the organization’s board of directors, marking more than just a leadership change. It represents the continuation of a mission that has been deeply rooted in Chicago and across the country since 1971.
Founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Rainbow PUSH has long stood on the front lines of voting rights, social justice, affirmative action, and economic empowerment—fighting for communities that have often been pushed to the margins.
For the past two years, Yusef Jackson has already been helping lead that work behind the scenes as the coalition’s chief operating officer. Now, he officially steps into the top role with both responsibility and legacy on his shoulders.
“KEEP HOPE ALIVE” — AND KEEP MOVING
In his statement following the announcement, Yusef Jackson made it clear that this moment is rooted in gratitude and purpose.
“I am deeply grateful to my father for his trust, his guidance, and the example he set for all of us,” he said.
That guidance was personal and practical. During Rev. Jackson’s final months, Yusef shared that his father continued urging him to mobilize churches and community support systems to help feed families impacted by a historic government shutdown that disrupted food assistance.
Even near the end of his life, Rev. Jackson’s focus remained on the people.
Yusef also recalled one of his father’s powerful words: “I intend to die with my shoes on,” a reminder that the work of service and advocacy never stops.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR RAINBOW PUSH?
With Yusef Jackson now leading Rainbow PUSH, the organization enters a new era while holding tight to the same foundation that built its name.
As issues like voter access, economic equity, and social justice continue to impact Black communities and underserved populations, his leadership will likely shape how the coalition moves forward in this next chapter.
Yusef closed his remarks by repeating the words that became a defining message of his father’s movement:
“Keep hope alive.”
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