I don’t think that Bruce Gordon (who announced his resignation publicly this weekend as head of NAACP) could have said it any better.
From day one, it just did not seem like a doable idea to hire a former corporate executive to fill the shoes of an advocacy organization that is bent on pointing primarily pointing out problems. A good executive will listen to the problems as well as bring solutions to the table. This is something that even Ron Waters suggested back in ‘05:
The incoming president rejected a suggestion by Ron Walters, director of the African-American Leadership Institute at the University of Maryland, that Gordon would handle internal business while Bond became the public face of the NAACP.
“Not a chance,†Gordon said. “The NAACP is not hiring an office manager.†(source)
And here is how I commented back then:
They just did.
Julian Bond did some great things for the civil rights movement and he should be commended for them; however, I think that the organization is too afraid to face reality–it is time for him to go. As long as Bond continues to be the mouthpiece of the Democratic party-only, continue to associate the past struggles of black Americans to that of homosexuals, workers unions, etc. and not black folks, he is only making Gordon’s job that much harder.
My prediction: Unless the NAACP gets rid of Bond and completely abandons the “We shall overcome sooooommmmedayy” banner, the only major thing this organization will be known for is its ability to put on great award shows. Ask the kids to verify what I am saying is true.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! I just went three rounds with some of the local NAACP members who are desperately trying to recruit younger members but can’t understand why they are having such a hard time in doing so. Times have changed. The concerns of Blacks have changed. It is easy to point out a problem but it takes a wise and open-minded person to make the change. If they want “young blood,” they must be willing to listen. Julian Bonds isn’t ready to listen.