In a surprise move, NAACP President Benjamin Jealous, 40, has announced that he is stepping down from the position in January, 2014.

“Leadership knows when to step up and when to step down,” Jealous said. “This day I can say with pride that I’m prepared to step down and make room for the next person who will lead this organization to its next chapter.”

Citing family reasons, Jealous said that his high-profile career has caused him to sacrifice time with his wife, Lia Epperson, and children, daughter, Morgan, 7, and son, Jack, 13 months, and that is something that he intends to change.

Still, the hum of the Civil Rights Movement still courses through Jealous’ veins: “I’m really going to miss the street fights we’ve been in.”

The civil rights leader said he’s satisfied that he will leave an organization in much better condition than it was when he took over five years ago.

Under Jealous, the donor base has grown from 16,422 in 2007, just before he started, to 132,543 last year. Revenue has grown from $25.7 million in 2008 to $46 million in 2012. Out of a total score of 70, independent non-profit reviewing organization Charity Navigator gives the NAACP 51.42 for finances and 70 for accountability and transparency.