MY TRUTH: Keep on pushing

By Cheryl Smith

– Rev. Haynes resigns but is still doing what Rev. Haynes does

When Dr. Frederick D. Haynes completed his sermon on Sunday, he asked for prayers because he had a decision to make that he was praying about.

Never one for second-guessing anyone, I first responded with a prayer and then said I would wait to hear the news because Dr. Haynes assured everyone that he would tell the Friendship-West family of his decision first.

Dr. Haynes tendered his resignation, effectively immediately, on Tuesday afternoon, stepping down as president and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Less than a year ago, the organization’s Founder and CEO, longtime civil and human rights activist, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, announced his retirement and named Dr. Haynes as his successor.

Veteran journalist Roland Mar- tin shared the resignation letter on social media and during his show on Black Star Network. The letter was short and to the point.

In a video, Dr. Haynes explained, “I felt it necessary, in light of the challenges faced by our community, faced by this nation and the world during this consequential year.”

Saying he honored the work of Rainbow PUSH and Rev. Jack- son, the Senior Pastor of FWBC added, “I will continue the fight for justice. I will continue to be a prophetic witness… I will just do it in another lane.”

Immediately following the announcement, my phone started ringing and pinging as calls and text messages came through.

For some reason, people thought I knew the “why.”

The news was out.

And people asked, Why? What happened? What’s going on? OMG!

There were several other sentiments that I won’t go into because everyone’s entitled to their position and while some were happy others were not so happy with the news.

Which brings me to my truth. I don’t care why Dr. Haynes stepped down as President and CEO.

I am more concerned with how he is doing mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

If he is OK, I am OK.

Dr. Haynes assured me on Tuesday evening that he was good and said he was going to continue “doing the work.“

I didn’t expect anything different.

He is a very resourceful, astute, vibrant, and visionary 63-year-old.

He’s done a lot and like one of the greatest crooners of all time, Barry White sings that he’s, “got so much to give,” I believe so does Dr. Haynes.

While there is or should be a shake-up and possibly some fallout; we must stay focused and not let this become yet another distraction.

We want the best for Rev. Jackson and Rainbow PUSH. Dr. Haynes refers to the Reverend as his “personal hero” and icon.

We have work to do and the blessing is knowing that while he has stepped down from Rainbow PUSH, Dr. Haynes is going to continue to be right on top of things; doing what he does.

He’s not going anywhere, so the question to him might not be “Why did you leave?” Instead, the question to the person in the mirror could be, “What are you doing?”