2025 PEOPLE'S CONFERENCE: CALL TO ACTION

Hosted at the Rainbow PUSH HQ - 930 E. 50th St., Chicago, IL 60615

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition has been a beacon of hope and a force for change in our community for decades. Our annual convention brings together thought leaders, activists, educators, policymakers, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue, share innovative ideas, and foster collaborative efforts to address pressing issues. 

We are in the midst of a moral and constitutional crisis. We are witness to deliberate and coordinated attacks on our civil rights, freedom of press, legal institutions, courts and the progress secured through generations of struggle. Together, we have fought for - and won - expanded voter rights, equitable access to education, protections for women and other disadvantaged groups. We have ushered in monumental progress that has strengthened the bedrock of our democracy. And now, our country is faced with an imperative moral question about the kind of future we want for our children and grandchildren – and if we will allow generations of struggle to be for not.

As we answer these questions and move forward with a unified response, collective movement, and action, you’re invited to join us for our Annual People’s Conference: Call To Action, taking place Thursday, June 12 through Saturday, June 14, 2025, at our National Headquarters in Chicago (930 E. 50th Street, Chicago, Illinois.)

Over two and a half days, you’ll hear from leading voices – local, national and international –  on the pressing issues of our time and how you can get involved in the fight for justice, equity, and protection of our democracy.

In the coming days, we’ll share more information on session topics, featured speakers, and conference activities. We have a star studded lineup and we can’t wait for you to be a part of this special convening.

Together, we can mobilize a moral movement and a strategic response to save our democracy and preserve our rights. Click below to register today.

 

BUY TICKETS

The People's Conference 2025 - Location: Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters

Day 1: Thursday, June 12, 2025

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

REBUILDING AMERICA: THROUGH COALITION LUNCHEON AND CONVERSATION - Keynote Rev. Al Sharpton

Join civic, corporate, faith and elected leaders for a special luncheon dedicated to exploring the ideals of a Great Society and how we can work collectively to achieve economic, social and political justice. You’ll hear from renowned speakers and Special Guests who are at the forefront of the movement to rebuild America.

  • Elder James Moody
  • Rev. J. Stephen Thurston
  • Rev. Marshall Hatch
  • Rev. Ciera Bates Chamberlain
  • Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III
  • Rev. Michael Eaddy
  • Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli

LOCATION: HIRE360 (2540 S State St, Chicago, IL)

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

GOSPEL CONCERT & COMEDY SHOW

Gospel Concert ft. Grammy Award Winning Artist Jekalyn Carr and Pastor Darrius Brooks

Comedy Show ft. Marcus D. Wiley

NOTE: Doors open at 6:30 PM

LOCATION: Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church (4543 S Princeton)

Day 2: Friday, June 13, 2025

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT & WEALTH BUILDING BREAKFAST AND CONVERSATION WITH CHAIRMAN JOHN HOPE BRYANT & DR. GEORGE C. FRASER

Join visionary entrepreneur, thought leader, and global authority on financial literacy, Chairman John Hope Bryant, CEO of Operation Hope and Dr. George Fraser, Author and Entrepreneur. for a continental breakfast and discussion centered on economic empowerment and inclusive capitalism.

LOCATION: The Park (65 E Garfield)

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

LUNCH

Boxed lunches available for purchase at PUSH HQ

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

REFLECTIONS ON THE LAST 200 DAYS

Join us to reflect on the last 200 days of the current administration, and the impacts on the breadth of individuals and communities from federal workers to immigrants. We’ll be joined by a panel of experts to discuss and analyze the key issues of the last 200 days since the current administration assumed office.

  • Jim Zogby (Arab American Institute)
  • Todd Cox (NAACP LDF)
  • Daniel Ash (Field Foundation of Illinois)

2:30 PM- 3:30 PM

THE STATE OF MEDIA IN 2025

As the threat to the free media continues to evolve, leaders will share their perspective on this shifting landscape and how to speak truth to power in this divisive and dangerous time.

  • Melody Spann-Cooper (Midway Broadcasting)
  • John Nichols (The Nation)
  • Rev. Mark Thompson (Make it Plain)
  • Shia Kapos (Politico) 
  • Santita Jackson (Santita Jackson Show)

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

WOMEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF JUSTICE: TAKING CHARGE & GETTING IT DONE

Join us for a reception spotlighting women who are boldly leading with conviction, courage and strength during these uncertain times.

LOCATION: Soho Allis Mezzanine (113 - 125 North Green Street)

Day 3: Saturday, June 14, 2025 - The PUSH is ON

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

SATURDAY MORNING FORUM – THE NEW RAINBOW AGENDA FOR EMPOWERMENT, HEALING, AND COMMUNITY

Leading global and national figures will share what the vision for a new RPC agenda looks like in the next few years, and how we need to proceed to address the pressing concerns of today.

  • Mayor Brandon Johnson (Chicago)
  • CK Hoffler 

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

FELLOWSHIP & BBQ