Jesse Jackson announced his decision to step down as the leader of Rainbow/PUSH due to advanced age and health complications.

On July 15, 2023, Rev. Jesse Jackson announced his decision to step down as the president and leader of Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, an organization he founded in 1996 through the merging of his two earlier initiatives, Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition. Jackson, a towering figure in the civil rights movement for over five decades, cited advanced age and health complications as the reasons for his retirement from leadership. By this time, Jackson was 81 years old and had been contending with Parkinson’s disease, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2017. Jackson’s decision marked the end of an era for the civil rights organization, which has been at the forefront of advocating for social justice, economic equity, and political empowerment, especially for African Americans. Under Jackson’s leadership, Rainbow/PUSH became a vital voice in the fight for racial equality, voter rights, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities. Jackson's activism extended far beyond the U.S., with his efforts in international diplomacy, including hostage negotiations and peace talks, further bolstering his legacy as a global humanitarian. In his farewell announcement, Jackson expressed his gratitude to his supporters and reflected on the enduring mission of Rainbow/PUSH. Despite stepping down from an active leadership role, Jackson's legacy within the movement for justice remains monumental, and his contributions to civil rights will continue to resonate for generations to come. #JesseJackson #RainbowPUSH #CivilRights #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife