Rachel Dolezal -- My Race Is a Distraction ... Quits NAACP Presidency

Everyone is way too hung up on NAACP leader Rachel Dolezal's race ... according to Dolezal herself -- who just announced she's resigning as President of the group's Spokane chapter.

Dolezal -- the white woman who's been passing as black for years -- wrote a letter to the NAACP, saying she was leaving her post because "the dialogue has unexpectedly shifted internationally to my personal identity in the context of defining race and ethnicity."

She tooted her horn on the way out the door ... listing her accomplishments during her time in office, and said she remains committed to fighting "for what is right and good in this world."

Dolezal offered no explanation for why she pulled the wool over everyone's eyes for at least 8 years ... according to her parents.

For what it's worth -- Rachel's VP, Naima Quarles-Burnley, is taking over as president. No word on her ethnicity ... officially.