Less than a week after the board of directors of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute voted to rescind its selection of activist, academic and author Angela Davis as the 2019 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award recipient, its top three officers resigned, the Institute announced Wednesday

Chair Mike Oatridge, First Vice Chair Walter Body, and Secretary Janice Kelsey are no longer members of the board.

In a statement, the former members said: “It has been our privilege to serve as volunteer Board members of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors. It is an honor to be associated with this institution, its leadership, staff and supporters.

"As members of this board, we regret the circumstances surrounding the selection process regarding the 2018 Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award and the dissension this has caused.

“We care deeply about this institution and its continued success. Effective immediately, we are resigning our BCRI Board and Officer positions.”

Several local activists and concerned citizens protested the decision not to honor Davis. The group, led by Frank Matthews of the Outcast Voters League and Carlos Chaverst, called for the resignation of all board members.

“It is hoped this move will enable the City of Birmingham to create a board structure that will best enable the BCRI to continue its critical mission in the future,” the resigning board members continued. "We are happy to lend any assistance that may be needed on an interim basis to ensure a smooth transition.

"We remain committed to the enduring principles of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and its quest for human rights and understanding for all people.”

As of this writing, Treasurer Thomas L. Wilder, Jr. remains on the BCRI board.

This story will be updated.