Kamala Harris Commends Rev. Jesse Jackson's Legacy at Rainbow PUSH Coalition Event as a Champion for Freedom

Vice President Kamala Harris pays tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson, successor named.

Vice President Kamala Harris made a visit to Chicago on Sunday to honor the Rev. Jesse Jackson as he officially stepped down as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the organization he founded. Harris praised Jackson as a patriot and a fighter for freedom and human rights. She emphasized that Jackson's work was centered around the belief that the diversity of our nation is a strength, not a weakness.

However, Harris also acknowledged that the progress made by Jackson and other civil rights leaders is currently under attack by extremist leaders. She pointed to Supreme Court decisions that have undermined reproductive rights, affirmative action, voting rights, and student debt relief. These extremist leaders are also seeking to ban books and oppose reasonable gun safety laws.

Harris's tribute to Jackson took place at the annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition convention, held at the Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn. President Joe Biden also praised Jackson, stating that he was unafraid to do the work necessary to redeem the soul of the nation. Biden emphasized that while America has not fully lived up to its promise of equality, leaders like Jackson have kept that promise alive.

Harris, as the first female vice president and the first vice president of color, recognized the trailblazing efforts of Jackson, who paved the way for her and for Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president. She highlighted the importance of Jackson's belief in the strength of diversity, noting that the Rainbow Coalition he built during his presidential runs continues to be central to his activism.

Jackson, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, appeared on stage in a wheelchair. He delivered brief remarks, recounting anecdotes from his career. He then passed the baton to the Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, who will take over as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Jackson made it clear that stepping down as president does not mean he is retiring, but rather pivoting to remain active. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, Jesse Jackson's son and a freshman in Congress, introduced Harris and reflected on his father's legacy. He emphasized the importance of the people we send to the table to effect change.

Harris shared a personal connection with Jackson, as they were classmates at Howard University. She recalled how she used to commute to law school with a "Jesse Jackson for President" bumper sticker on her car, receiving honks of support from other drivers.

The tribute to Jackson concluded with a gospel medley performed by his daughter, Santita Jackson. Rev. Haynes delivered a powerful sermon honoring his predecessor, acknowledging that no one could fill Jackson's shoes, as he has been a fearless advocate for justice and empowerment.

Overall, the event celebrated the legacy of Jesse Jackson and highlighted the ongoing fight for equality and justice in America. It served as a reminder of the importance of diversity and the need to continue the work started by civil rights leaders like Jackson.

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