Local NAACP Forges Ahead

The local Monroe Chapter of the NAACP appears to be moving forward following the controversy of last year's election of officers, as Rev. Ambrose Douzart was elected to another term. The controversy came about as numerous individuals who had signed up as new members said that they were denied the opportunity to have their voices heard through their vote on who they wanted to have as president. Douzart's biggest challenger seems to have been community activist Marie Brown, who spoke to the Monroe Dispatch soon after voting, claiming that irregularities prevented many members from having access to ballots, which may have cost her the election. There was alleged finger-pointing among the local chapter, as not only were the frustrations of many leveled at the local chapter but the NAACP national headquarters itself. Brown filed a protest challenging the results of the election along with the irregularities that allegedly occurred. The national branch of the civil rights organization has not, as of press time, issued a decision over the outcome of the election, but it was clear from the tenor of the meeting there were those who were not ready to accept the notion of "moving on" as if nothing happened, as the installation of officers has been held. Rev. Ambrose Douzart was re-elected as president, but some within the organization and throughout the community believe a "cloud" is hanging over the presidency. One member expressed that a "leader would step aside" until things are resolved, as that is what "a leader" would do. Still, someone else said that the chapter should wait on the process where a decision is made in writing that Douzart is the duly elected president or a new election be called for the office of the president only, as all other officers were duly elected. Raw feelings were exhibited at the meeting, as some felt uneasy that Douzart's conscience was ok with going on with the installation under the circumstances. The tone of the meeting also showed that there had been serious infighting in the organization. Yes, that happens, but after hearing from those who were dissatisfied with the election outcome, it was clear that some issues extend all the way up to national headquarters. The fact that the national headquarters has not rendered a decision on which the matter should be resolved is unsettling to many local members. Some at the meeting said that disinformation from local and national offices was confusing because it was difficult to get ballots, as many new members didn't get any. The "process" they said was unfair, added to the fact that some could cast ballots electronically for the first time, made matters worse. Though tensions rose at various times during the meeting, there were no personal attacks. There was infighting over some long-standing issues, be it confusion over policies, guidelines, nomination procedures, or disinformation for officers, but members were told that the local chapters do not have control of elections, as instructions come from the national office. In some circumstances, the national office may be at fault, as elections are often held at local, state, and national levels. There was a universal agreement among members that "infighting" should be eliminated, as that would not be a good image to project to the public. Members agreed that it was time to stop and put their efforts here in Monroe and stop being like other people. Doing things in decency and in order was the cry that things had gone on long enough.

Before moving on as had been suggested, the question was asked why to move along before doing what "was right" about the election. As stated, some were against going forward with Douzart as president, believing that the national office should have stepped in long ago. A question was posed that one does not "move along" with a child if that child has done something wrong. Get things "right" with the child first before moving along and not at some future time. That was a clear reference to Douzart and the national office. Clearly, the local NAACP does appear to have some internal issues, with infighting leading the way. Voices allegedly were not heard during an important time over the question of new leadership or a change in direction. Still, it is essentially the executive committee that decides in which direction the organization goes. There is a first and second vice-president, who, like the president, must answer to members. The local NAACP is a vital asset to the community, as it must show unity before tackling the myriad of social issues that have made it an institution that is recognized around the world. Now is not the time for infighting because its mission is too great. America still has a long way to go regarding issues that affect people of color. The last thing that is needed is to show that people of color can't get along with each other. Yes, we can "agree to disagree", but there are ways that we can disagree but still be effective.

Photo NAACP Swearing: Verbon Muhammad, Pastor David Lloyd, Apostle Grace Lloyd, Attorney George Britton and another NAACP member were sworn in recently.