Black Lives Matter activist, law professor elected president of NAACP Minneapolis

A University of St. Thomas professor and outspoken activist with Black Lives Matter Minneapolis has been elected president of the Minneapolis chapter of the NAACP.

Nekima Levy-Pounds, 38, ran unopposed in Saturday's special election, and was one of several women leaders who were elected to top positions within the organization.

"I am blessed to know that we made history last night by electing a cabinet made up entirely of women – black women – which apparently has never happened before," Levy-Pounds wrote in a message about the election on her website.

Saturday's special election was the second of its kind in two years, the Twin Cities Daily Planet notes.

The organization has faced challenges of late, and the hope is that a change in leadership will help revitalize and reorganize the chapter, the publication says.

The chapter's former president, Rev. Jerry McAfee, has been criticized for his actions during his tenure, including the firing of an officer, the Independent Business News Network reported, and for letting the chapter "slip into dormancy," the Star Tribune noted.

"I see this as an opportunity to rebirth the Minneapolis chapter of the NAACP," Levy-Pounds said, according to MPR News. "To bring some fresh energy to the group. To help revitalize the organization. To help mobilize the community and to engage stakeholders."

Her supporters took to social media to congratulate the new president.

But she's not without critics. Departing president McAfee and other community activists have told MPR News that Levy-Pounds is too focused on police brutality issues, but not enough on other issues affecting the community.

Levy-Pounds was among the Black Lives Matter protesters who were charged following the protest at Mall of America back in December.

The new president's first meeting is set for May 12, where the officers will be given the oath of office, Levy-Pound's website notes.