For the organizers of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s 2025 People’s Conference, this year’s program is as consequential as ever—a summit to bring about policy solutions, strategy and healing to a nation at a crossroads.
Set for June 12–14 in Chicago, the conference arrives during what they describe as a full-scale attack on civil rights and democratic freedoms.
“Never before have we seen such an assault on the temple of civil rights legislation that was aimed to equalize a segregated, Jim Crow-based society,” said Yusef Jackson, Secretary of the Board and COO of Rainbow PUSH and Chairman of Operation PUSH.
Urgency on Every Front
The theme—A Call to Action—is a rallying cry for people fed up with the rollbacks of hard-won protections.
“Not only had the legislation underlying our civil rights have been challenged… the people who are responsible for defending civil rights, the Justice Department Civil Rights Division, the Department of Education Civil Rights Division have been fired, laid off and disenfranchised,” Jackson said.
The conference kicks off Thursday with a policy luncheon bringing together ministers, labor leaders and civic organizers to draft the platform they want political parties to adopt. Jackson emphasized that communities can’t afford to sit back.
“This is a participatory democracy, and we must act.”
From Protest to Policy
That afternoon, Rev. Jamal Bryant will lead a public demonstration at Target on South State Street, a nod to the movement’s history of disciplined economic action—from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to Rainbow PUSH’s own past campaigns.
The day ends with gospel and laughter at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, featuring Marcus D. Wiley, Darius Brooks and Jekalyn Carr.
Friday turns the focus to economic justice. At the Park Supper Club, speakers like Dr. George C. Fraser and John Hope Bryant will address the deep racial wealth gap—and the opportunity costs that come with it.
“African Americans are 1/6 as wealthy as white families. Hispanics are 1/4 as wealthy as white families,” said Jackson. “If we would bridge that gap of the economics in our households, it represents 6% growth in the GDP.”
“It’s worth investing in our communities.”
Later that day, Rainbow PUSH will host a policy review at headquarters, focusing on education, labor, and international aid. A media panel will examine the shifting landscape of Black journalism and how misinformation continues to muddy public perception.
“We all have more information, but there’s also more fake information,” Jackson said. “So we have to have the education to discern truth from fiction.”
Passing the Baton
The conference will also center on young voices and new partners. Organizers have prioritized outreach to emerging leaders, community interrupters, and youth-focused groups.
“We’re building community and cooperation and partnership with younger people,” Jackson said.
He added that Thursday’s demonstration is both a political statement and a learning opportunity.
“It requires a level of practice, and that’s how we intend to teach—by that demonstration.”
History, Legacy, and the Church
Thursday night’s service at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church (4543 S Princeton) holds special meaning. Jackson recalled the bond between his father, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Clay Evans, which began when Jesse arrived in Chicago as a seminary student and lasted through decades of civil rights work.
“When Fellowship was looking to rebuild its church and couldn’t get a loan from a bank, my father co-signed that loan.”
The concert is both a celebration and a remembrance. “Rev. Clay Evans, for his great work, will live as long as we remember him and call his name,” Jackson said.
Taking Back the Narrative
Media and messaging will be front and center. Jackson said the current information ecosystem is fractured—and dangerous.
“I believe the democracy of media… has been democratized, wonderful, but it’s also not responsible.”
He pointed to the glamorization of destructive language in music and media. “We relate better by referring to ourselves in denigrating terms. Who else refers to themselves in these terms?”
The media panel, he said, will address not just journalism but the full range of digital content that shapes public thought.
“Everything we’re consuming digitally, everything that’s affecting our mind and our emotions.”
Looking Forward
For Jackson, this year’s conference is a gathering, reset and a reminder.
“It gives us an opportunity for new partnerships. There are new pastors out here. There are new churches. There’s a new sense of spirituality.”
He also sees it as an opportunity for the organization to be unabashed about meeting people where they are instead of waiting for them to trickle through the doors of their Kenwood headquarters.
Rainbow PUSH has got to get with the times and meet people where they are,” he said. “Rev. Jesse Jackson was not tied to the location of 930 E 50th St; he met people where they were.”
“And so we have to get on the good foot, so to speak, and begin to, once again, meet people where they were at the same time.”
And he issued a challenge to those watching from the sidelines.
“Don’t make fun of us, join us. If you have talent that we can use and be an instrument to our people, then we’d love you to participate with us.”
The Invitation
Registration is free. Meal events have a cost, but no one will be turned away.
“There’s something you can learn. There’s something there for everyone,” Jackson said. “And what we’ve missed, let us know so we can do better.”
For More Information
Rainbow PUSH 2025 People’s Conference: A Call to Action
📍 June 12–15, 2025 – Chicago, IL
This year’s Rainbow PUSH People’s Conference centers on the urgent need to protect civil rights and democracy. The event will bring together national leaders, organizers, and community members for a weekend of rallies, panels, and calls to action.
Key Events Include:
Thursday, June 12
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11:30 AM – Rebuilding America Luncheon
Keynote: Rev. Al Sharpton (NAN)
Featuring: Rev. Otis Moss III, Rev. Ciera Bates Chamberlain, Rev. Marshall Hatch, Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli and more -
3:00 PM – Public Rally at Target
📍 1 S State St, Chicago, IL 60603 -
7:00 PM – Gospel Concert ft. Jekalyn Carr, Pastor Darius Brooks
Comedy by Marcus D. Wiley
Friday, June 13
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9:00 AM – Economic Empowerment Breakfast
Featuring: John Hope Bryant, Dr. George C. Fraser
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1:00 PM – Panel: 200-Day Reflections
Moderator: Nicol Turner Lee
Speakers: Todd Cox, Daniel Ash, Hermene Hartman, Dr. Jim Zogby -
2:30 PM – Panel: The State of Media in 2025
Moderated by Cleopatra Draper (WVON)
Speakers: John Nichols, Rev. Mark Thompson, Shia Kapos, Santita Jackson
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6:00 PM – Panel: Women at the Forefront of Justice
Featuring: Karen Freeman Wilson, Merry Green, Jane Ruby, Kiara Hardin, Jacky Grimshaw and more
Saturday, June 14
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10:00 AM – Saturday Morning Forum
Speakers: Congressman Chuy Garcia, Mayor Brandon Johnson, CK Hoffler -
12:00 PM – Community BBQ & Fellowship
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12:00 PM – No Kings Rally and March
📍 Daley Plaza – 50 W Washington St
Register now at: www.rainbowpush.org
All conference events are free and open to the public. Meal events may require registration.
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