CHICAGO (AP) The Rev. Jesse Jackson announced Saturday that he will step down as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Chicago-based civil rights group he founded more than 50 years ago.

Jackson, 81, announced his resignation during a quiet farewell speech at the organizations annual convention, where the group paid tribute to him with songs, kind words from other Black activists and politicians, and a video montage of Jacksons 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns.

Jackson, who has dealt with several health problems in recent years and uses a wheelchair, capped the proceedings with muted remarks. Flanked by his daughter, Santita Jackson, and his son, U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, the once-fiery orator spoke so softly it was difficult to hear him.

I am somebody, he said. Green or yellow, brown, Black or white, were all perfect in Gods eyes. Everybody is somebody. Stop the violence. Save the children. Keep hope alive.