NC NAACP leader gives details about Poor People's Campaign

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Rev. William Barber provided details Monday about his plans after he steps down as president of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP to concentrate on the Poor People's Campaign.

Barber held a news conference Monday about his plans for the campaign, which will be organized in 25 states and Washington, D.C. He announced his plan last week to step down after 12 years as president in June, several months ahead of when his term ends in October.

[Charlotte NAACP]

The 53-year-old Barber will remain on the NAACP's national board of directors. He also will remain as pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro.

During the bittersweet celebration, Barber announced his plans to walk away from leading North Carolina's NAACP. His plan is to organize a new Poor People's Campaign in Washington D.C. and 25 states across the nation. He calls it a long-term movement to shift the national moral narrative.

“I will continue to spend much of my time on the road, along with persons of all races, creeds and sexualities who battle poverty every day,” Barber said.

Since taking the helm in 2005, Barber’s created the Moral Monday movement, with people gathering outside the state capitol to confront a number of social issues. He also received national attention for his fiery speech during last year's Democratic National Convention.

Rev. Barber's supporters were emotional as he prepared to take on a new mission.

“We must have a narrative shift rooted in God's vision of love and justice for humanity as our nation is struggling,” Barber said.

Barber has been busy since taking over in 2005.

He launched the Moral Monday Movement, leading thousands of protesters outside North Carolina's legislature. It called for change on a number of issues, from House Bill 2 to equal voting rights.

He said he doesn't want his members to get complacent once he's gone.

“I ask you to stay engaged in North Carolina,” Barber said. “This was never about one person. It's always about us together.”

Charlotte's NAACP president, Corine Mack, said this is a good time for change.

"It's one thing to speak well, and he's a great orator, but we need a real plan that's going to change the trajectory of Charlotte and the rest of the state,” Mack said. "I'm concerned about all of the atrocious bills and attacks on people of color and poor people that have not been addressed."

Rev. Barber said he knows what's needed for the next person to head the movement.

“A heart for the people,” Barber said. “And the heart for those who hurt, not a heart for the position.”

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Associated Press