NC NAACP president postpones resignation until October
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- William J. Barber, II, President of NC NAACP, has announced Sunday that he is stepping down from his position with the organization in October.
"What I'm gonna do is work until my term is up so that I can hand the baton over to a stabilized organization so we won't miss a beat this summer while we have to redraw the line," he said. "We may even have a special election. And we continue to fight the extremist legislature in North Carolina."
Barber said he cannot and will not seek another term as president; however, he plans to stay until another president is elected to lead the NC NAACP.
"I did not make the decision to consider stepping aside from my elected position this summer lightly," Barber said in a news release. "I've been in deep prayer and fasting about my calling to help lead the new Poor Peoples Campaign. I know this is work I must help with and attempt to guide. Of this, I have no doubt."
Barber said his family, his church, and the leadership of the Poor People's Campaign supports his decision.
"Theologically, I've been reminded that the same Holy Spirit that prompted Paul to go in one direction would make an adjustment in timing based on new realities that arose," he said. "Some say the NAACP has survived because it was never about any one leader, and it is true. But the NAACP, like all justice organizations and movements, has also survived because servant leaders like you have made adjustments for the cause."
What's next for Barber? He'll be taking on a leadership role with the National People's Campaign.
Barber said he knows some don't agree with his message but that won't stop him fighting for justice.
"To be criticized for standing for the poor, to be criticized for standing up for justice, to be cursed because you want people to have health care, is a badge of honor."
