Isaac Newton Farris Jr. spoke Monday for the first time since his ouster from the presidency of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, saying that at one time he felt called by God to lead the organization.
"Let me be clear that I would never walk out on an organization whose roots are deeply embedded in my DNA," said Farris, who was flanked by his parents and several family members during a prayer vigil and news conference at Ebenezer Baptist Church's heritage sanctuary. "I accepted a call to serve and to lead. I did so without a salary or the feeling that the road would be easy."
A coalition of SCLC chapter presidents, supporters and affiliates are demanding that Farris be reinstated as president of the Atlanta-based civil rights organization that was co-founded by his uncle the Rev. Martin Luther King. In April, the organization announced that the 50-year-old Farris was no longer president. He had served less than a year, taking over the presidency after the death of the Rev. Howard W. Creecy Jr.
Farris said that although he has asked, he has never been told what the accusations were that led to his dismissal or what the formal vote was.
SCLC Executive Director Damien Conners said he felt Farris did the best "that he could while in the position."
The organization is "definitely in prayer for him [Farris] and his family," Conners said, "and we hope that they make this transition in a way that is healthy for them."
Farris said that regardless of whether he is reinstated, he wants to see changes in the way the organization operates.
"My path as president and CEO began with the acknowledgement that before the SCLC could help the world resolve its problems, the SCLC must first resolve to get its own house in order," he said. "This meant that we would need to conduct our affairs by basic business principles, as opposed to mom-and pop fiefdoms."
Farris' mother, Christine King Farris, said she had "mixed emotions" about the possibility of her son returning to the SCLC.
Trina Baynes, president of the SCLC's Henry County chapter and a coalition member, said it was "ridiculous" how Farris was treated. She said she also wants to see SCLC Chairman Bernard LaFayette resign.
The Rev. Eric Terrell, identified as the direct action director for the Henry County chapter, demanded Farris' return.
"It's time for a change at the SCLC," he said. "If it's not growing, then the people sitting at the top need to move on."
The organization is conducting a search for a permanent replacement for its interim president, the Rev. C.T. Vivian.
Conners said Vivian has already made positive steps for the SCLC since he's been interim president, including initiating its national voter education project and meeting with corporate sponsors for support.
Andra Gillespie, an assistant professor at Emory University who has researched civil rights groups, said controversy "really distracts" the organization from moving forward.
Whether or not Farris is reinstated, "the SCLC is still going to be challenged," she said. "It's a very crowded activist market, and we're in a very different climate politically than when the organization was founded."
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