Jesse Jackson’s Civil Rights Group Loses New Leader

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The pastor who took over as president and CEO of the civil rights organization founded by the Rev. Jesse Jackson resigned from the position less than three months after assuming the post for unspecified reasons, the Associated Press reported.

The Rev. Frederick Haynes III, a pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, submitted his resignation, effective immediately, to the Chicago-based organization the Rainbow-PUSH Coalition via letter earlier this week.

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

Haynes declined to state reason for his resignation apart from noting that he felt it was “necessary” for him to step down due to “challenges that continue to exist.”

Jackson said in a statement issued Tuesday that the Rainbow-PUSH Coalition had accepted Haynes’ resignation but vowed to continue working with Haynes as “partners in the fight for peace, civil rights and economic justice.”

Jackson added that his son, Yusef Jackson, is still serving as the group’s chief operating officer.

“We will carry on the vital work of protecting, defending, and gaining civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields,” Jesse Jackson said. “Our commitment to promoting peace and justice around the world remains unwavering.”