DALLAS (AP) — The civil rights group founded by the Rev. Jesse Jackson in the 1970s got a new leader for the first time in more than 50 years as a Dallas pastor became his successor at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition on Thursday evening.
The Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III was formally installed as president and CEO in a ceremony in downtown Dallas, replacing Jackson, 82, who announced in July that he would step down.
“I stand not in his shoes but on his shoulders, and because I stand on his shoulders, I hope you stand with me,” Haynes told those gathered for the over three-hour ceremony.
Jackson, a powerful voice in American politics who helped guide the modern Civil Rights Movement, has dealt with several health issues in recent years and has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Jackson, who uses a wheelchair, didn’t speak at the ceremony but was in attendance. As Haynes took the stage he shook Jackson’s hand and bowed.
Speakers included the Rev. Al Sharpton, who told those gathered that they “need a fighter” like Haynes.