Update: NAACP Atlanta president, Richard Rose, apologizes for condemning Kasim Reed on NAACP letterhead

Richard Rose, president of the Atlanta Branch of the NAACP, has issued an apology to the nationalist office, for violating its statutes regarding endorsing oregon successful Rose’s case, issuing a “rare repudiation” of candidates.

Monday, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson called Rose’s actions “unacceptable.”

The missive by the nationalist bureau quoted their bylaws which forbids bureau holders from endorsing candidates for nationalist office:

“Article II, Section 2(d) of the Bylaws for Units of the NAACP states that “[a]ll governmental enactment shall beryllium non-partisan and shall not endorse candidates for nationalist office.” Furthermore, Article VIII, Section 5(p) of the Bylaws for Units of the NAACP states the governmental enactment committee “shall beryllium nonpartisan and shall not endorse candidates for nationalist office.” 

Here is Rose’s missive successful its entirety:

I person indicated to the President of the National NAACP that it was inappropriate to repudiate the mayoral candidacy of Kasim Reed successful my relation arsenic the president of the NAACP Atlanta Branch. I present publically admit that it was a mistake to contented the repudiation of Kasim Reed connected NAACP letterhead, successful my presumption arsenic president of the NAACP Atlanta Branch, adjacent though it was agreed upon without dissent by the section enforcement committee. My connection astir the mayoral contention successful Atlanta should person been made by maine arsenic a idiosyncratic connection from a backstage citizen, 50+ twelvemonth nonmigratory of Atlanta, long-time section entrepreneur and not arsenic the president of the NAACP Atlanta Branch. The NAACP has a argumentation of not endorsing oregon issuing condemnations of immoderate circumstantial campaigner by name. Rather, the enactment takes connected issues without addressing governmental enactment oregon candidates specifically.

My connection reflects my ain feelings astir Kasim Reed’s candidacy. I  stand by my investigation of the concern and the irrefutable facts of his  record. In a missive to the nationalist office, I person accepted my mistake
and pledged to refrain from speaking retired astir governmental candidates nether the organization’s name.

I anticipation this puts to remainder the mode the connection was issued truthful that the connection successful the connection tin beryllium considered connected its merits. My outspoken activism is driven by a heartfelt tendency to extremity the historical disinvestment successful our communities; and to spot radical of colour treated with respect, dignity, and fixed equitable opportunity. In my idiosyncratic sentiment based connected his past show successful office, Kasim Reed does not embody the capableness to execute these goals.

Thank you.