Ben Jealous Should Resign: Ben Jealous, Roland S. Martin, White House Shank Grandmother in the Back
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 8:01AM The Blogmother Longtime readers of this blog have long since come to the conclusion that the NAACP is really the NAAMCP (National Association of Male Colored People). Tell me how the NAACP's male President starts some MESS with tea partiers and a Black woman ends up being the one to lose her job? Not only do they only appear to mobilize solely for the benefit of humans with penises, they have a proclivity for throwing Black women UNDER the bus and then shanking them in the back. It was three years ago this time of the year when the NAACP made the public statement that they would ignore the violation of the human rights of a Black mother and child in the Dunbar Village case. We won't retread the NAACP's many faults in this post, you can read all of my prior posts and catch up. In particular the post I wrote on the day the NAACP announced that it did not consider any African American women as finalists for the NAACP presidency and instead selected a then 35 year-old boy wonder named Benjamin Jealous to be its leader. (NAACP Picks a New President: WAOD Ben Jealous Exit Poll-Betting Pool)
- NAACP BLURRY-IMAGE AWARDS: In Lieu of a Post I Present to You … (Chris Rock Manhandles Black Woman on Stage During NAACP Awards)
- Will Ben Jealous DENOUNCE Local NAACP President George Forbes and use of Racist Imagery to Attack Black Woman? (Ben Jealous NEVER did denounce this attack)
- Philly NAACP To Host Rally for Michael Vick- #naacpfail (Where is Shirley Sherrod's Rally to save HER job?)
- Al Sharpton Wants Rapists and Torturers Roaming Your Neighborhood—NAACP and Sharpton Get Into It at Press Conference (Where is Shirley Sherrod's Press Conference?)
- NAACP National Office Responds to the Dunbar Village Email Accountability Campaign
- Chicago Tribune Covers NAACP & AL Sharpton Joint Dunbar Village Press Conference and the Email Accountability Campaign-UPDATE: Larger NAACP Role???
- Open Letter Regarding NAACP, SHarpton, and Dunbar Village Atrocity
I thought Jealous was a young idealistic fool, but instead he's turned out to be a cynical mealy mouth coward of the highest order... and jelly-spined did I mention jelly-spined? Here is some background about the latest demonstration that the NAACP only cares about Black MALE people. Shirley Sherrod did the NAACP the courtesy of agreeing to speak at an NAACP event. During which she shared a testimony about redemption and the importance in moving beyond first impressions based on race. The problem only the first portion of the testimonial was released via right wing blogs... the redemption portion of her speech was left off:
Until Monday, Sherrod was the rural development director for the US Department of Agriculture in Georgia. Andrew Breitbart released a heavily edited video purporting to show Sherrod saying that 24 years ago she refused to help a farmer because he was white. It turns out that Breitbart twisted Sherrod's words; Sherrod was actually telling a story designed to illustrate why all forms of racism are wrong and describing how she overcame racism in her life. Indeed, she not only helped the farmer, but according to the farmer's wife, Sherrod saved the farm. Despite the fact that Sherrod did nothing wrong -- in fact, did everything right -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack fired her after Breitbart's video was released. Daily Kos
So how did prominent Black men use their platforms to react to the defamatory video editing? Like gutless jellyspined parasitic cowards shanking this Black grandma in the back.
The Backstabbers
Numero Uno From Dr. Boyce Whatevertheheckhisnameishowtheheckdoeshekeepgettingpaidtowritethistrash Watkins:
Shirley Sherrod, the black woman who recently resigned from the USDA for racially-divisive remarks, deserved to lose her job.. . Shirley Sherrod, the NAACP and the Tea Party are all reflections of the most extreme parts of all of us. We are all fighting to overcome our own biases, and incidents like these are simply symptoms of larger, unresolved issues. Boyce Watkins, TheGrio
Where is your retraction Dr. Lazypants? Numero Dos Here is a statement from Ben Jealous - Mr. I don't know what's happening at my my own dad gum meetings:
“Since our founding in 1909, the NAACP has been a multi-racial, multi-faith organization that– while generally rooted in African American communities– fights to end racial discrimination against all Americans. We concur with US Agriculture Secretary Vilsack in accepting the resignation of Shirley Sherrod for her remarks at a local NAACP Freedom Fund banquet. Racism is about the abuse of power. Sherrod had it in her position at USDA. According to her remarks, she mistreated a white farmer in need of assistance because of his race. We are appalled by her actions, just as we are with abuses of power against farmers of color and female farmers. Her actions were shameful. While she went on to explain in the story that she ultimately realized her mistake, as well as the common predicament of working people of all races, she gave no indication she had attempted to right the wrong she had done to this man. The reaction from many in the audience is disturbing. We will be looking into the behavior of NAACP representatives at this local event and take any appropriate action. We thank those who brought this to our national office’s attention, as there are hundreds of local fundraising dinners each year. Sherrod’s behavior is even more intolerable in light of the US Department of Agriculture’s well documented history of denying opportunities to African American, Latino, Asian American, and Native American farmers, as well as female farmers of all races. Currently, justice for many of these farmers is being held up by Congress. We would hope all who share our outrage at Sherrod’s statements would join us in pushing for these cases to be remedied. The NAACP will continue to advance the ideals of America and fight for freedom, justice and fairness for all Americans.” Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
No sir, YOU are shameful! Numero Tres The Roland S. Martin goes on CNN to express penis solidarity and says that he agrees with the afrementioned statement by the NAACP- So after hanging Ms Sherrod out to dry the NAAMCP issued the following statement upon learning that only a segment of Ms. Sherrod's speech had been released. A segment which left to stand on its own cast her in a horribly defamatory light.:
With regard to the initial media coverage of the resignation of USDA official Shirley Sherrod, we have come to the conclusion we were snookered by Fox News and Tea Party Activist Andrew Breitbart into believing she had harmed white farmers because of racial bias. Having reviewed the full tape, spoken to Ms. Sherrod, and most importantly heard the testimony of the white farmers mentioned in this story, we now believe the organization that edited the documents did so with the intention of deceiving millions of Americans. The fact is Ms. Sherrod did help the white farmers mentioned in her speech. They personally credit her with helping to save their family farm.
So Ben Jealous should resign because he is stupid...and inarticulate....and incompetent....and a really bad actor...and a sexist...did I mention he was snookered? And after he stabs this Black grandmother in the back Ben Jealous makes the following idiotic tweet:
BenJealous Spoke to Ms. Sherrod earlier today and personally apologized. Plan to meet with her face-to-face the next time I'm in Georgia. Twitter
Oh so you can't get a discount ticket on US Airways to go visit Ms. Sherrod NOW? What? You participate in DEFAMING this grandmother and you pencil her in for the next time you happen to make it to Georgia. Mind you this is the same man who wrote op eds calling Van Jones a "Misunderstood Treasure" before giving him an award, but when a Black grandmother get shoved under the bus... WITH THE NAACP's Assistance, he pencils her in ....whenever he gets around to it. Let me refresh y'alls memories. but Ms. Sherrod gets a tweet and a promise to meet up with her... whenever he gets around to it. Will Mrs Sherrod get an Op Ed Mr. Jealous? Will Ms. Sherrod have to wait around for a meeting with Mr. Jealous when Michael Vick apparently has y'all on speed dial? So not only is he a gutless, inarticulate coward, but he's lazy too. Again, how long is the flight from DC to Atlanta? GET ON THE PLANE BENJI! And after you do that, demand that this woman be reinstated. And I won't even talk about the Obama Administration- You do recall just a few weeks ago when they tripped over themselves defending and atoning for a former Klansman, but this woman... not so much. Where is Shirely's beer summit? <throws down mic and walks away muttering> "Their Actions Speak Louder than My Words!"
Reader Comments (94)
I would also like to add Andrew Breitbart to the list of unsavory players who had a role in totally misrepresenting Shirley Sherrod's words.
This article is SO on point! I've been following this mess since it happened, and I am beyond pissed off at the behavior of the NAACP and the White House. Sadly, I'm not shocked by it, AT ALL. You would think that they would know better than to take something put out by FAUX News as the truth. Did they not remember the Rev. Wright bruhaha? Also, these are the same ingrates that claimed to have the infamously non-existent Michelle Obama "whitey" tape. And we all know how "authentic" the ACORN videos were. Ben and 'em were not "snookerd"- they were too dayum LAZY to do a full investigation before acting. Just the fact of how the tape surfaced and who put it out there should have been a red flag.
Here's a woman who used her own shortcomings and subsequent enlightenment to relate a story of the human spirit. If anything it was inspirational, but the folks at FAUX twisted it, like they do everything else.
Don't even get me started on the Obama administration. They have a growing record of leaving backs with tire tracks in their wake. I do not believe for ONE SECOND that Vlasik came to the decision on his own to fire Sherrod. He got the approval from the White House.
Yeah, the apology from Ben is nice and all, but what they need to do is lobby the White house to give her her job back and the White house needs to reinstate her. Yeah, I'll hold my breath waiting for that to happen....
You nailed it as usual. I don't even mention the apology or that the White House is now "investigating" because it's worthless to me. I am simply disgusted by the whole incident.
Well, it looks like I may not be holding my breath for very long....
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2010/July/USDA-Reconsiders-Sherrod-Resignation/
Let's hope they make it happen.
Well, thanks for once again validating my decision not to join this organization EVAH. I would love to be surprised by this, but I ain't.
Sigh. You know he makes trips up to Maine to personally counsel a PRISON outpost of the NAACP mulitiple times a year for outreach in OTHER communities??? Dropping the link, b/c when this story came out I was blown away.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/02/AR2009110202850.html
Haven't thought much of the NAACP in over 30 years! The group is a waste of my time. What does make me sadder than sad is the Obama administration's response to the fake tape. Professionals know they should check and double check stuff like that before taking action. I'm afraid Mr.Obama is soul-less.
Can we go back to funding the Niagara Movement? lol. And end the NAACP.
I'm just embarrassed that the NAACP is known to most of the USA as if it represents all Blacks. Its hard to stop funding this, especially if there's nothing else. Without a competing organization, there is no checks and balance for these guys to worry about.
It'd be so sweet if all the black women who are holding this pathetic organization up - keeping it funded and running - just walked away and said they had better things to do.
I wont hold my breath.
How on earth did Dr. Boyce Watkins get a job as a writer? I read a couple of his articles and lets just say he can't find one fault with a black man. He lets his personal beliefs blind him on seeing the issues. I stopped reading them when he boasted how we can learn from hip hop artists.
Dr. Watkins and others like him are what's wrong with journalism and the media. They are all too busy trying to jump the next big news story to take the time to check their facts. This is why we have such a big wasteland of pseudo intellectuals who don't know what the hell they're talking about.
Nice site redesign. Ben Jealous has proved his uselessness and it's time for him to go. I am pleased that Donna Brazile has given her unconditional public support and defense of Shilrey Sherrod and what's left of the media set things straight. It's the only reason why the foolishness of the NAACP and the Obama Administration has been exposed.Do I dare hope the more Breitbart sticks to his lying that his ability to pull off any more smear jobs will be neutralized? I mean even Glen Beck backed off from attacking Sherrod!
@ Betty yes!!!! @Gina, I like the new layout.
Love the redesign but I do miss Gina's comments showing up in yellow. It always let me know when somebody was about to get taken to the woodshed for misrepresenting her point.
Not only did they throw this woman under the bus before even knowing the whole story and defended the former Klansman but they took a pass on denouncing the much more deflamatory and recent remark by the New Black Panther Party leader about killing cracker babies.
Now I personally am sick of all of this grabbing at the knats of racism (who said what) and not focusing on the real issues facing the black community that stem not only from years of outside racism but internal self-hatred and violence against our women and girls.
Anyway. Jealous has shown his ineptness throughout this whole Tea Party/USDA he said she said mess. First of all they focus on the Tea Party rather than follow suit and mobilize on the real issues facing the black community. Yes there are racist elements in the Tea Party. There are racist elements in the Republican and Democratic parties, in this whole US. What's new. Then after issuing the statement denouncing the Tea Party (since that is what they chose to do) Jealous waffles and backs off. Shameless.
Whether this lady is reinstated or not the NAACP 's credibility is shot.
Sis. Gina, this new design/print is too small for my old eyes :) and I too miss your comments in yellow, sometimes I read that first. :) :)
I listened to Sis. Sherrod's entire speech; basically she was saying she made a mistake, she was slow to help the White farmer, but she went on to help him and his family anyway. Even though she and/or her family has suffered from racism, she pressed forward and the White family to this day praises her for helping them to save their farm. Plus, at the time of the incident, was she even working for the USDA?
NAACP made a mess and their bubbling of this incident is very telling. Like you said, Sis. Gina, why didn't he listen/watch the entire video FIRST before making a statement LIKE THE REST OF THE COUNTRY DID? I guess I'll never understand why there are still women members of the NAACP. :(
I am so disgusted by this entire incident. The President and the NAACP seem to care more about protecting racist in the media than a Black woman who has dedicated her life to helping others. President Obama should know better, especially after the treatment Michelle received in the media.
Wow. I was sleeping on just how clueless Roland Martin is. Watching the other two argue on Ms. Sherrod's behalf while he obstinately continued putting the blame for all of this on her was very revealing. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent post, Gina.
I'm disgusted by the actions of both the NAACP and the Obama administration, but not surprised.
Ok...so I had a whole other feeling about the Labron thing, but this hear…the less than 24 hour throw grandma to the wolves is beyond unacceptable. I’m done with the NAACP.
Done!!!!!!
I’m also done with Journalism because it’s dead. Not one person fact check this @ss. Everyone took his word and believed him. All the black talking heads jockeyed for face time to denounce her without even trying to see if they are getting the whole story.
The mea copa that all the black talking heads et al is doing today shows that they are idiotic, incompetent and worthless. They care more about their “brand” then their craft.
The lesson that I learned from this latest fiasco is as long as I’m a black women I won’t EVER, I mean EVER go looking to the NAACP for help or assistance because they have made it apparently clear that I don’t count. Hell, they might as well join in with those Republican fools who are holding up the "Paycheck Fairness Act".
The second lesson is that those right wingers really got us by the balls. We are in reactive mode and we have no organized defense against their elementary attacks.
Great point about the POTUS canonizing Robert Byrd as reformed racist, but throwing Ms. Sherrod under the bus. I sincerely hope she sues the bat s__t pants out of the POTUS and the USDA and then get her job back... much like Mary Frances Berry did to Ronnie back in the 80's.
Roland has posted a response on his website, it is so off the mark its not even funny. He compares Sherrod to Robert Byrd. Unbelievable these folks just dig themselves in a bigger and bigger hole
You know, I NEVER like Roland Martin or Boyce Watkins. Now I have even more resons to keep them on my list of Chitlin' Eatin' Negroes.
I read Roland Martin's response on CNN this morning. This entire post was the point of the comment that I posted on his response! When I was typing it, I just knew that I was the only person that felt this way...until I found your site and post!!
what is that saying, bring out the fork 'cause I'm done? I just read a short bio on Sis. Sherrod. Her father was murdered, shot to death by a White farmer . . . . and she's a SNCC veteran . . . . and she was involved in a many-years-long lawsuit against the USDA/FHA? Is (Chick)-en Jealous serious? He attacked her without getting any facts? And Roland Martin too? I got something for both of them the next time they are in my city.
DAMMIT!!! :( :( :(
Some of our blog bretheren and sistren aren't being directed to the new site automatically. Its either their browser caches or something at the server level we need to fix. but here are their comments that landed at the old site:
Typical.When will black women gain some gender solidarity and stop supporting this anti-black woman campaign?
@GEM I just realized that I have eye issues.I like the old site better.The words are showing up sooo small but maybe it's just my computer?I have been down due to a virus for a while.I need something to make the words bigger is alls i'm sayin.Excellent post btw.
just watched a wonderful special comment from Keith Olberman, BRILLIANT!!! also Melissa Harris Lacewell (I think it's her name) was GENIUS on COUNTDOWN when she brokedown the entire Sherrod incident. I have no words for the NAACP they are a useless, spinelss and completely impotent organization which exists solely for black male aggrindizement. Wonderful Post and great new website.
Okay so I increased the size of the comments in the comments section so hopefully that will make some of you happier. We're a work in progress :)
Love the new look!!!
For the past several months my eyes have been opened to the level of disregard black women face in the black "community." I have mostly associated DBRBM-esque activities/behaviors with low-level BM in the 'hood...but then this situation comes along to remind me that we as BW aren't offered protection or support from even the highest level of BM. The fact that they rushed to judgment without doing the most basic of fact-checking and threw Ms. Sherrod under the bus is really beyond words. I think about the support Taylor Swift received when Kanye got stupid at an awards show. He was soundly and unequivocally repudiated!!! This woman was p***** on and yet the NAACP leader shrugs his shoulders and mumbles, "Sorry."
Yes, yes, yes!!! That is my point. When the choice is anybody anywhere or black women? I choose black women. That it was so easy to dismiss this working civil servant because she lacked balls, power, or privilege? Unforgivable to me.
http://www.tressiemcphd.com/2010/07/i-ride-for-sisters-or-punks-need-not.html
If the trap set was meant to expose the Black male leadership farce-it worked.
Not one of the men involved in the incident or criticism openly displayed any manner of respect for Shirley Sherrod. They came down on the side of the hunters. Firm and sounding like they all knew that she was wrong.
Now that the truth is out-the message is still resonating in my mind. Women of color are not worth protecting. We are like a disposable diaper. After we are soiled it is okay to dispose of us. Our usefulness is finished.
But from my view-Jealous has put the NAACP's organizational behind out there to be spanked. No matter what happens after this-his actions in this situation have left an impression that it is okay to sacrifice a woman of color in the name of the NAACP.
The only advancement that I can see is the one that is headed butt backwards.
Sis. Gina, thanks for making the print larger!! I'se can see now!! :) :)
RevMamaAfrica beat me to it. This woman's father was murdered by a KKK member. That little tidbit ALONE should be enough to give the NAACP pause before firing the guns.
What I don't understand is this: they ROUTINELY give image awards to rap artists who spew all kinds of racist trash, but they vilify this woman? It makes no sense!
Mrs. Shirley Sherrod should never have to work another day in her life if she chooses not to. I witnessed a viral lynching of a Black woman. I am disguted by the ill treatment of such an honorable woman who dedicated her life to doing God's will. Her character is unbelieveable.
Sidebar: Does she have an Ivy League Degree? If not, she can forget about being invited to the White House for tea or a beer.
Who in the hell left the gate open? I am finally off punishment. I can post on WAOD again. :-)
Can we do a Podcast about Shirley Sherrod gate?
Thanks Gem!That helped alot 'preciate it :>)
Well it's very nice to know that this woman is getting support.
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/07/21/shirley-sherrod-gets-a-white-house-apology-needs-a-book-contrac/
AM,
The white cop didn't have an Ivy League degree or tenure. Having a penis is the pre-requisite for any Beer Summit.
Shirley needs to NEVER let the WH and USDA forget that they FIRED her.
I think it's still the NAACP. It's the National Association for Colored Penises.
Boyce "Chitlin' Eatin Negro" Watkins is now trying to tear Obama a new a**hole for the handling of the Sherrod incident and he was one of the FIRST men to assist with her throwing under the bus.
It is amazing that you would waste so much time and energy attacking the NAACP. Why don't direct any of your venom at the source of the controversy, Andrew Breitbart?
When will this crab in the barrel mentality end?
http://new-possibilities.blogspot.com/2010/07/andrew-breitbart-exposed.html
@ Anson - Um, you EXPECT the Andrew Breitbarts of the world to attack you at some point, NOT THE NAACP!!!
This isn't crabs in a barrel, this is pointing out how yet again the organization that brands itself as uplifting our people has no issues throwing black women under the bus. It seems like you have the Andrew criticism under control, so that means that some of the rest of us can rightfully look at how after taking the pennies, dollar bills, and free time of many a black grandmother, when it comes down to a defense of said grandmothers, no one had the time to look at a tape of THEIR OWN EVENT before dropping press releases trampling her good name.
The fact that this comes on the heels of making a national press conference about the Tea Party while ignoring serious problems in our communities to death in order to rescue career criminals from their prison time makes their behavior even more ridiculous. You aren't upset at how the NAACP was so easily cowed? You aren't upset at the way that Roland Martin has no issue with trying to clown this woman for a T.V. spot? - Wait, never mind. I know the answer to those questions.
@ Anson Asaka, negro please! Actually I have a lot of respect for the right wing fascist types; they do what they are suppose to do, WITH NO APOLOGIES, they stay focused, disciplined and firmly committed to their goals.
We on the other hand now have to worry about the NAACP and Hen Jealous being stupid, unprepared and unprofessional. You attack the Tea Party at your convention, pass a resolution to attack the Tea Party and then you are stupid or arrogant enough not to expect them to hit back? The NAACP does not have the upper hand in this nor have they taken the moral high ground. Hen Jealous should be fired for political incompetence, PERIOD.
Just knowing the history of the Sherrod family, i.e., the Albany (Georgia) Movement, leaders in SNCC, her father was murdered by a White farmer, she and her family unfairly lost their land AND she assisted those Black farmers with their lawsuits, etc, against the USDA/FHA and the U.S. government, WHICH BY THE WAY THOSE FARMERS STILL HAVE NOT BEEN PAID WHAT WAS DUE THEM IN SPITE OF SUCCESSFUL LAWSUITS/SETTLEMENTS, etc., are you kidding? Actually, the timing of the release of the video of Sis. Shirley's speech is deliberate too. Hen took the bait. This is not a crabs in a barrel mentality, actually it's the POLITICAL MATURITY TO KNOW, TO FINALLY REALIZE EXACTLY WHERE YOUR ENEMIES ARE!
I believe it was Zora Neale Hurstoon that said, "all skin folks ain't kin folks!" Which one are YOU?
It looks like they are offering Sherrod a new position, but I don't think she should take it. I think she should sue for wrongful termination and Fox news for defamation of character. She needs to make an example of this. I know it will come across as another "angry black women" to America- but who cares? She deserves better- we all do!
Anson,
You're not fooling me... You want us to click on your link and drive up your web traffic. Chile Please.
You guys should do a podcast, I swear if WAOD had any doubters, this case is prime example why this blog exists
If you listen to the old podcast they were on point about Obama from the beginning.
@DailyLattes...I was disappointed as well when the NAACP issued the statement condemning Ms. Sherrod without conducting a thorough investigation of the facts. However, when the NAACP became aware of the error, they promptly issued an apology, posted the entire video and strongly urged the Obama Administration to reconsider its decision. Ms. Sherrod was vindicated and Mr. Vilsack offered her a new job. Contrary to your assertions, the NAACP passed approximately 70 resolutions addressing serious problems facing the African American community. The resolutions addressed issues such as gun violence, mass incarceration, gerrymandering, police misconduct, job legislation, school disciplinary disparities, low performing schools, HIV/AIDS, Haitian recovery efforts, the crack vs. powder cocaine disparity, Gulf Coast recovery and immigration reform. It is not the NAACP's fault that the corporate media decided to focus solely on the Tea Party resolution. I know that it is in vogue for black bloggers to trash the NAACP. However, such attacks only serve the interests of our oppressor. We must remember that if it was not for the NAACP we would still be second class citizens.
@BLKSeaGoat..That's funny.
Okay...
It's very clear to me that the NAACP and the majority if not all of our ABC groups are nothing but a bunch a crooks and liars.
HOBAMA is a coward and I'll never vote for him or really any black male that thinks like him again.
I'm totally disgusted... I can't even type the sh*t
@ Anson Asaka
WHOSE OPRESSOR? All of those "resolutions" you listed benefit black American men not black women. We aren't stupid and blind. It's very very very clear to me that our ABC groups are only for black males.
Good riddance!