(The Dallas Examiner) – Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, the newly installed president and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, announced his immediate resignation on Tuesday.
“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,” he wrote on official letterhead. “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.
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“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.”
He signed it, “Yours in the struggle,” and posted it on social media.
It’s been almost a year since the announcement that coalition founder Jesse Jackson would soon pass the baton to Haynes, social justice advocate and senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church. The months that followed were filled with meetings, preparation and anticipation.
During that time, Haynes reflected on the day he first met Jackson, the many years he of admiration, and how his new position had become a full-circle moment.
On Feb. 1, he was formally installed as the organization’s president and CEO. Held at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, it was national celebration. People from across the country congratulated him. Many awaited the changes that Haynes had discussed.
National leaders such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Al Sharpton of the National Action Network, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Shavonne Arline-Bradley of the National Council of Negro Women, Dr. Michael Sorrell with Paul Quinn College, Dr. Amos Brown, and Dr. Ron Daniels of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century, among others, expressed their confidence in Haynes’ leadership and innovative thinking.
Now, two and half months later, the news of Hayne’s resignation has spread across the country, his congregants and online followers left messages of inspiration and dedication.
“If God says move, move expeditiously…” and “Greatness of a leader is to listen and follow the voice of God…” as well as “Down with you like four flat tires…,” a few messages read.
Still, there were a few that asked why he resigned.
Sources close to RPC said the organization has been stricken with insurmountable financial problems, according to an article released by TriceEdneyWire.com.
A representative of the coalition has not yet spoken publicly or put out a public notice. Until then, many questions will remain regarding the story behind Haynes’ abrupt resignation from the historic organization, but possibly more importantly; what will become of the coalition?