Citing the urgency of the upcoming fall elections, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) CEO DeJuana Thompson, a long-time leader in voting rights advocacy, is leaving the position to return to Woke Vote, the 501c3 voter education and advocacy organization she founded in 2017, the institute announced Wednesday.

“Given the current state of the country, we must both protect institutions like BCRI and safeguard our democracy,” Thompson shared in a statement. “My work with Woke Vote will allow me to directly address these threats, train new organizers, and engage our communities in the fight for our fundamental rights.”

Thompson joined BCRI in 2021 and was named president and CEO in May 2022. “I love the institute,” she added.

BCRI board chair Isaac Cooper will serve as interim president and CEO, while BRCI begins a national search for a successor.

“BCRI is grateful for Ms. Thompson’s leadership during a difficult time,” said Cooper, crediting Thompson for leading BCRI through the remnants of the COVID-19 epidemic and expanding and solidifying its branding and standing locally and nationally. “She came in at a critical juncture in our history, steadied the ship, and helped us expand our reach. We wish her all the success in the future as she returns to her first love of community activism and empowering people across the country.”

Under Thompson, according to BCRI, the institute:

– Raised millions in funding by establishing and strengthening corporate partnerships

– Renewed relationships with the Smithsonian Institute, the American Alliance of Museums, and the African American Association of Museums

– Reinstituted signature programming, including the annual Juneteenth Celebration

– Invested in critical infrastructure improvements

– Improved staff access to continuing education resources

With Woke Vote, Thompson, according to the release, will launch a nationwide engagement tour to raise awareness and inspire action across the country, particularly amongst Black and brown communities.