BHS Day 15: Rainbow Push Coalition

Hi! One of my favorite things about doing Black History Spotlight every year is finding new organizations that are meant to benefit the community. Of course, there's always research to do on the organizations you choose, even the community-based ones, because nothing's perfect. I just like learning about the different organizations Blacks have created, what purpose they serve, and if they're still operational today. If they are still in operation, where do they fit into the current climate? Because the climate in America is where it is, I've found myself wanting to pour more into the community. I think partially because I feel like there's some kind of agenda to tear it down, and partially because I'm ready for us to rise, y'know? It's been past time. Anyway, let's get to today's entrant!

Name: Rainbow Push Coalition Founders and date of establishment: Rev. Jesse Jackson officially merged Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) and the National Rainbow Coalition in 1996 to create Rainbow Push Coalition Purpose of organization: To protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world Why is the Spotlight on it today? For its work to continue the civil rights fight in today's climate, and emerge as a force for helping minorities balance the economic and educational gap Notables and accolades:
--Holds a weekly forum across their social media as a bit of a town hall effort to discuss current issues and topics --Has a partnership with 1000 Churches, where the focus is helping local churches to become a foundation in local communities by providing resources for home ownership, financial stability, healthcare, voter registration and reaching out to the youth to keep them off the streets --Has a weekly meeting for those in the organization's local area to find resources and empowerment to work
--Holds an annual technology-related convention called PUSHTech 2020, which is a summit held in Silicon Valley and helps to bridge the income inequality gap in the tech industry through insider activism by Jesse Jackson
--Has expanded to include different headquarters throughout the country and recently made its way to Silicon Valley, where it now has a base --Has a partnership with General Motors to provide scholarships annually to deserving Michigan-based students 
--Has a program called PUSH Excel, which works with the education industry to increase opportunities, promote inclusivity, and includes the local communities in motivating and encouraging minority students to succeed
--Has a paid organization called the International Trade Bureau, which seeks to even the economic playing field by getting corporate America within reach of minority and women-owned businesses
--Received national recognition from then-President Jimmy Carter's Department of Education for PUSH Excel's mission and dedication to helping motivate minority students to do better
--Gives out annual scholarships through PUSH Excel that benefit students who have the desire but not the financial support to attend college
--Hosts an annual breakfast in MLK Jr's honor that doubles as a fundraiser for PUSH Excel and honors the late Dr. King's memory --Holds an annual 2-day convention called the Wall Street Project Economic Summit, which helps promote and encourage inclusivity and economic growth in both private and public financial sectors Further reading links: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Quote of the Day:
"The American Dream is one big tent of many cultures, races and religions. Under that tent, everybody is assured equal protection under the law, equal opportunity, equal access and a fair share. Our struggle demands that we open closed doors, extend the tent and even the playing field."
--Rev. Jesse Jackson