Reverend Jesse Jackson named Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III as the new President and CEO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. The transfer of leadership took place during the organization's national convention.

“As a student of Rev. Jackson’s, I am honored to be selected for this prestigious and important position,” Haynes said.

The event was attended by Vice President Kamala Harris, who spoke highly of Rev. Jackson's leadership and expressed confidence in Dr. Haynes as the new leader of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. In her remarks, Vice President Harris congratulated Dr. Haynes and commended his track record in the criminal justice reform movement.

“It is my joy to congratulate Reverend Dr. Freddy Haynes. I have known him and worked with him for over 20 years, including when we worked together years and years ago in the early days of the criminal justice reform movement. And I am so confident in his leadership and his ability to carry on the greatest traditions of this organization and to meet the challenges of this moment,” said Vice President Harris.

Although not in attendance, President Joe Biden offered his remarks. “Whether on the campaign trail, on the march for equality, or in the room advocating for what is right and just, I’ve seen him as history will remember him: a man of God and of the people; determined, strategic, and unafraid of the work to redeem the soul of our nation.”

Dr. Haynes III is widely known as the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, a prominent megachurch in Dallas, Texas, boasting over 13,000 members. He has served in this role since 1983 and has been instrumental in the church's growth and community impact. Dr. Haynes led the establishment of the THR!VE Intern and Leadership Program, which received recognition from former President Barack Obama in 2014.

Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to succeed Rev. Jackson, Dr. Haynes stated, "Rev. Jesse Jackson has made the world a better place, breaking down barriers and fighting for justice. Rainbow PUSH has been the vehicle for his work, and I am honored and humbled that he has chosen me to serve as his successor. I am committed to continuing the fight for freedom, peace, equity, justice, and human rights."

Dr. Haynes has already outlined a national agenda aimed at addressing various pressing issues, including the courts, affirmative action, economic justice, educational equity, and the impact of climate change on communities of color. He is renowned as a social justice pastor and advocate for marginalized communities, working tirelessly to effect positive change.

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and English, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation, Dr. Haynes brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the Christian Theological Seminary, focusing on African American preaching and sacred rhetoric.

In addition to his pastoral and advocacy work, Dr. Haynes is dedicated to education and has led Friendship-West to donate over $1 million to historically Black colleges and universities. The church has also provided over $2 million in scholarship aid to students in the Dallas community. Dr. Haynes' commitment to education is exemplified by the Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Preparatory School, located on the campus of Paul Quinn College.

Throughout his career, Dr. Haynes has received numerous awards and honors for his ministry and activism. His impactful work has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations such as the Congressional Black Caucus, Ebony Magazine, and the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

Dr. Haynes also shares his knowledge through teaching positions at various institutions of higher learning, including Paul Quinn College, Texas Christian University, McCormick Theological Seminary, and New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Paul Quinn College and holds leadership positions in organizations focused on social change and education.

As Dr. Haynes assumes his new role as President and CEO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he stands on the shoulders of Rev. Jesse Jackson, carrying forward the legacy of justice and advocacy. With his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to social transformation, Dr. Haynes is poised to lead Rainbow PUSH Coalition into a new era of fighting for equality, justice, and human rights.

“The work of Rainbow PUSH is as necessary as ever and I am committed to standing on the shoulders of Rev. Jackson and continuing the fight for freedom, peace, equity, justice and human rights,” said Dr. Haynes.

For more info, visit rainbowpush.org/