A new stage in SNCC's history began in May 1966, when Stokely Carmichael was elected as chairman and leader. This event marks a decided, directional change in SNCC's philosophy. Carmichael identified himself with the trend away from interracial cooperation and nonviolence, making "Black Power" prominent in his administration. The goal of the Black Power was to create and empower a strong racial identity for African-Americans, giving them shared rights to vote, organize, and protest. This compromised SNCC's relationship with its white supporters and with its more moderate civil rights groups.