Rainbow/PUSH Coalition

Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition is a prominent American nonprofit organization dedicated to social justice, economic empowerment, and political activism. Formed in 1996 through the merger of two organizations founded by Jesse Jackson, it continues a long tradition of civil rights advocacy rooted in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the broader Civil Rights Movement. The coalition works nationally and internationally to combat racial inequality, promote corporate accountability, and expand voter registration and political participation.

History and founding

The organization resulted from the merger of Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity), founded by Jesse Jackson in Chicago in 1971, and the National Rainbow Coalition, founded by Jackson in 1984 following his groundbreaking campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Operation PUSH emerged from Jackson's work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference under Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on economic justice and boycotts against corporations. The National Rainbow Coalition was a political organization aimed at building a multiracial alliance to advance progressive policies. The 1996 merger, formalized at a conference in Washington, D.C., united these strands of activism into a single entity to strengthen its national influence during the administration of President Bill Clinton.

Mission and objectives

The coalition's mission is to fight for social change, economic parity, and political empowerment for marginalized communities, particularly African Americans. Its core objectives include advocating for policies that ensure educational equity, healthcare access, and fair housing. A central pillar is promoting corporate diversity and inclusion through negotiations and shareholder actions with major companies on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley. The organization also places a major emphasis on voter education and protecting voting rights, viewing political engagement as essential for achieving its broader justice goals, influenced by the legacy of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Organizational structure and leadership

Headquartered in Chicago, the coalition operates through a network of local chapters across the United States and an international office in Tokyo, Japan. For decades, its president and founder was Jesse Jackson, a figure of global stature recognized for his work from the March on Washington to international diplomacy, such as his efforts in Syria. In 2024, following Jackson's transition to President Emeritus, the board of directors named Frederick D. Haynes III, a prominent pastor from Dallas, as the new President and CEO. Key operational divisions include the Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project, which focuses on financial equity, and the Citizen Education Fund, its 501(c)(3) arm. The organization is governed by a national board and relies on donations, membership dues, and fundraising events.

Key initiatives and campaigns

A flagship program is the Wall Street Project, launched in 1996, which challenges major corporations in finance, technology, and media to improve board diversity, procurement, and advertising practices. The coalition's annual conventions, often held in Chicago and attracting figures like President Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders, set its policy agenda. It has organized major boycotts, such as those against the Coca-Cola Company and Toyota, to secure economic agreements. Its persistent voter mobilization drives, including Push for the Vote, aim to increase turnout in key electoral battlegrounds like Georgia and Michigan. Internationally, it has advocated for human rights in regions like South Africa during apartheid and in the Middle East.

Impact and legacy

The coalition is a significant force in shaping national dialogues on race relations and corporate responsibility, securing numerous diversity agreements with Fortune 500 companies. Its training and advocacy have nurtured generations of activists, politicians, and leaders, extending the tactical legacy of the Civil Rights Movement into the 21st century. The organization's influence is evident in its role in modern get-out-the-vote efforts and its constant pressure on institutions from the White House to the National Football League. While facing challenges from evolving social movements and leadership transitions, its work under figures like Jesse Jackson and now Frederick D. Haynes III ensures its continued presence as a major voice for economic justice and political inclusion in America.

Category:American civil rights organizations Category:Organizations based in Chicago Category:Jesse Jackson