Rainbow PUSH Pres. Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes III resigns after less than 3 months with organization

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes III has resigned as Rainbow PUSH Coalition president and CEO after less than three months with the organization, he confirmed to ABC7 on Tuesday.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, who previously served as president of the the civil rights group, introduced Haynes as his successor in July 2023.

Haynes was formally installed in February and Jackson transitioned to emeritus status, an organization spokesperson said.

Haynes sat down with ABC7 for a one-on-one interview after his introduction in July, saying he would continue to live in Dallas and remain his church's senior pastor while serving as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Haynes issued a statement on Tuesday, saying, "After continual prayer and deliberation, I have decided to step down from the position of Chief Executive Officer and President of Rainbow Push Coalition (RPC), effective immediately.

I remain committed to honoring the rich history of RPC and the legacy of its esteemed leader, the incomparable Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., and, most significantly, to the calling and pursuit of social justice.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have expressed their support since my appointment in July of last year.

Rest assured that my work in the fight for liberation and freedom continues."