Despite the death of civil rights icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., his Rainbow PUSH Coalition continues his legacy here in Michigan.
The social justice nonprofit, created via a merger of two organizations in 1996, advocates for positive social change throughout the state from its local office in Detroit. The multi-racial, multi-issue coalition draws on the legacy of civil rights activism started by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s.
“Our mission is to protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world,” the organization’s website says.
Jackson died Tuesday, Feb. 17, at age 84 following a prolonged battle with the neuromuscular disease progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition similar to Parkinson’s disease, USA TODAY reported.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity,” the Jackson family said in a Feb. 17 statement.
Over the decades, Jackson visited Michigan frequently, including campaign stops during his 1984 and 1988 failed presidential bids, to deliver commencement speeches and funeral eulogies, and speak for other causes. The Black Baptist minister and civil rights activist left a profound impact on the state.
Here’s what to know about Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
What is Rainbow PUSH Coalition?
Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a multi-racial, multi-issue nonprofit led by Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., advocating for positive social change globally, per its website.
“Our mission is to protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world,” the organization’s website says.
When was Rainbow PUSH Coalition founded?
Jackson founded Rainbow PUSH Coalition in December 1996, combining two organizations he previously founded, the website said.
He started People United to Serve Humanity (PUSH) in 1971, with a focus on improving economic conditions for Black Americans.
In 1984, Jackson founded the National Rainbow Coalition, a group advocating for equal rights for all Americans, following his first failed presidential bid.
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s early roots trace back to civil rights activist Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Operation Breadbasket, a 1966 program of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the website noted. King chose Jackson as the initiative’s first leader, pushing for economic, educational and social progress in the U.S. using a mix of theology and social justice.
Where is Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Michigan?
The Chicago-based nonprofit maintains a presence in Michigan through its Detroit office, according to its website.
Michigan initiatives include the Rainbow Push Automotive Project, started in 1998, advocating for equality for people of color in the automobile industry, the website said.
“The Rainbow Push Automotive Project promotes full and equal participation in the economic growth of the global automotive industry for people of color by forging partnerships within the industry so we may work together to ensure the fair participation of minorities at every level of involvement. This includes employment, management, procurement, marketing, dealership development, finance, technology and board representation,” the project’s website says.
Who was Jesse Jackson?
Born Jesse Louis Burns in Greenville, South Carolina, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. was a Black civil rights activist, minister and political candidate.
Jackson died Feb. 17, 2026, following a prolonged illness, at age 84. He had neuromuscular disease progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition similar to Parkinson’s disease.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.,” his family said in a Feb. 17 statement.
Jackson is survived by his wife of 63 years Jacqueline Jackson, six children, and grandchildren.
Where did Jesse Jackson visit in Michigan?
Jackson visited Michigan on numerous occasions over several decades, from his presidential runs, to public speeches, funerals and more.
On Aug. 19, 1979, he delivered the commencement speech at University of Michigan, speaking on the theme “America and the Challenge of a New World Order: A Quest for Peace.” He returned to U-M as a guest speaker in 2016.
Jackson delivered the winter 1988 commencement speech at Michigan State University on March 12, 1988, and received an honorary Doctor of Humanities.
He rallied in Michigan during his 1984 and 1988 presidential runs, including stops in Ann Arbor, Detroit and Flint. During the 1988 campaign, Jackson won the Michigan caucus, though he eventually lost the Democratic nomination to front-runner Michael Dukakis.
Jackson spoke at several funerals for prominent civil rights figures in the Motor City over the years.
In 1984, he gave a speech at the funeral of Rev. C.L. Franklin, prominent minister and civil rights activist, in Detroit. Jackson then eulogized Detroit’s “Queen of Soul,” musical artist and civil rights activist Aretha Franklin in 2018, daughter of Rev. C.L. Franklin. He also spoke at the 2005 Detroit funeral of civil rights icon Rosa Parks.
In 2016, during the height of the Flint water crisis, Jackson visited the city, where he spoke out against the injustice of contaminated lead water and called for a stronger federal response.
“This is a disaster, not just an emergency,” the longtime civil rights activist told a crowd of more than 150 people packed into the Heavenly Host Church of the Harvest in Flint at the time.
Detroit Free Press and USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jesse Jackson founded Rainbow-PUSH. What does the group do?
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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