After 27 years of being one of the Hudson Valley's most influential civil rights leaders, NAACP Mid-Hudson Regional Director Wilbur Aldridge said he's stepping down at the end of this year.

In a one-on-one interview, Aldridge said a combination of his health and wanting the next generation of leaders to take over factored into his decision.

"I desire that people remember that I tried to instill hope through example," he said. "Helping people to gain hope and move forward."

Aldridge spoke candidly about growing up in the segregated South, his rise through the ranks in the NAACP organization, the death of Hazel Dukes, his accomplishments and what work is still needed to address racial justice.