Isaac Newton Farris, Jr.

 

Special to the Atlanta Voice

Southern Christian Leadership Conference national president Isaac Newton Farris Jr., who accepted the group’s top leadership post just nine months ago, has been replaced as head of the venerable civil rights organization, officials announced Friday.

SCLC board president Dr. Bernard LaFayette would not say whether Farris resigned or was removed, choosing instead to characterize the move as a “change in leadership” and a “transition” in the group’s history.

LaFayette thanked Farris for stepping up to help lead the organization after the untimely death of its president Howard Creecy last July, but said the SCLC now is looking for new, younger leadership. Farris was the nephew of SCLC’s founder, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Isaac Farris stepped in and did a magnificent job. He gave us the best that he could and all that he could during this point in time,” LaFayette said.  “Now we want to move forward with young leadership and encourage young people to carry out and expand the mission” of nonviolence.

LaFayette also would not comment substantially on speculation that Farris and board members frequently clashed over policy or about rumors that the board was growing increasingly dissatisfied with Farris’ leadership.

SCLC vice-president C.T. Vivian – who accepted that role in January – will take over as interim president, LaFayette said.

A search committee to identify a permanent replacement for Farris will be named in the coming weeks, he said. SCLC officials hope to identify a new candidate for the top post by the group’s annual convention this summer, he said.“Isaac Farris stepped in and did a magnificent job. He gave us the best that he could and all that he could during this point in time,” LaFayette said.  “Now we want to move forward with young leadership and encourage young people to carry out and expand the mission” of nonviolence.

LaFayette also would not comment substantially on speculation that Farris and board members frequently clashed over policy or about rumors that the board was growing increasingly dissatisfied with Farris’ leadership.

SCLC vice-president C.T. Vivian – who accepted that role in January – will take over as interim president, LaFayette said.

A search committee to identify a permanent replacement for Farris will be named in the coming weeks, he said. SCLC officials hope to identify a new candidate for the top post by the group’s annual convention this summer, he said.