Rainbow PUSH names Jesse Jackson Jr. as new leader

The civil rights organization founded by his father selects the younger Jackson to take over.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:04am

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A cinematic painting depicting a solitary figure in an urban setting, with warm lighting and deep shadows, conceptually representing the transition of leadership within the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.The appointment of Jesse Jackson Jr. as the new leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition marks a generational transition for the influential civil rights organization.Chicago Today

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a prominent civil rights organization founded by the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., has selected his youngest son, Jesse Jackson Jr., as its new leader. The announcement was made on Thursday in Chicago, where the organization is headquartered.

Why it matters

The selection of Jesse Jackson Jr. to lead Rainbow PUSH continues the family's longstanding legacy in the civil rights movement. As the son of the organization's founder, he brings both experience and name recognition that could help maintain Rainbow PUSH's influence and advocacy work.

The details

Jesse Jackson Jr. has been involved with Rainbow PUSH for many years, previously serving in various leadership roles. His appointment as the new president and CEO comes after the passing of his father, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who founded the organization in 1996 to continue the work of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

  • Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. passed away in 2025.
  • The Rainbow PUSH Coalition announced Jesse Jackson Jr. as its new leader on April 10, 2026.

The players

Rainbow PUSH Coalition

A prominent civil rights organization founded by the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. in 1996 to continue the work of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

The youngest son of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and the newly appointed president and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

The founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and a renowned civil rights leader who passed away in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“My father's life work was to fight for justice, equality and opportunity for all. I am honored to continue that mission as the new leader of Rainbow PUSH.”

— Jesse Jackson Jr., Newly appointed president and CEO, Rainbow PUSH Coalition

What’s next

Jesse Jackson Jr. is expected to outline his vision and priorities for Rainbow PUSH in the coming weeks as he officially takes over the organization's leadership.

The takeaway

The selection of Jesse Jackson Jr. to lead Rainbow PUSH ensures the civil rights organization founded by his father will maintain its influential voice and continue advocating for racial justice and equality under the next generation of Jackson family leadership.