The NAACP is moving in a new direction by looking backward.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the 100-year-old civil rights organization's board chose Derrick Johnson as its 19th president after the departure of former president and CEO, Cornell William Brooks, in May.

According to The Associated Press, Johnson was an easy choice for the prestigious position. He served as interim leader since July of this year and held the role of vice chairman of the NAACP board of directors in the past. 

Photo: NAACP

“In his time serving as our interim president and CEO, Derrick has proven himself as the strong, decisive leader we need to guide us through both our internal transition as well as a crucial moment in our nation’s history,” said Leon Russell, the NAACP board chairman.

“With new threats to communities of color emerging daily and attacks on our democracy, the NAACP must be more steadfast and more immovable than ever before, and Derrick has the vision, mobility and courage to help us meet that demand.”

The Detroit native has been a member of the NAACP for years now and has garnered an incredible track record for innovation and change. During his time as interim president, he has refocused its work by increasing support to local chapters and has changed as the Black Lives Matter movement became more prominent in today's political climate.

As a veteran activist, he has spoken at Harvard Law School and was appointed to the governor of Mississippi's Commission for Recovery, Rebuilding, and Renewal after Hurricane Katrina. He has also led the charge of two bond referendum campaigns in Jackson, Mississippi that brought $150 million in school building improvements and $65 million toward the construction of a new convention center.

Johnson wants to carry that same enthusiasm into his new role.  

“To really engage in a political landscape to lift up the needs and interest of the community we represent,” Johnson said. “When our members speak in a collective voice our national office should also speak in tandem with the collective public policy voice.”