I learned recently that Marvin “Doc” Cheatham, president of the Baltimore branch NAACP has announced his resignation as of July 24, 2007.
Cheatham cited that he is physically and mentally drained after two years of intensive service to the branch and the community. Without a high level of support from the national level and little sustained support from the community; Cheatham was often a one man show – in picket lines, on television & radio, at the police station, on the corner, etc. all in an effort to turn the local branch around.
He did just that. The branch is now one of the leading branches in the country and has received numerous awards in the past two years. All of this was accomplished on a volunteer basis. Cheatham and all of the leadership have other jobs or responsibilities on top of their service to the local NAACP and community.
This news is particularly disheartening given the recent announcment that the national NAACP is cutting staff and closing regional offices due to revenue shortfalls. The Region VII Office (which covers MD, DC, & VA) is one of the offices being closed.
While doom and gloom seem to be the dominant characteristics of what is going on with the NAACP these days; I believe that this can be a teachable moment with transitional possibility.
It should teach us that we should celebrate those that sacrifice on the behalf of others. Public service is one of the most honorable and at the same time most labor intensive acts of service that one can commit to. Those on the sidelines or out of the spotlight would do well to encourage and lift up those who are running with the ball.Â
It should also teach us that organisms like the NAACP (national and local) must consider changes if it is to remain afloat and viable. I have long believed that the local branch here needed at least a few paid positions (even if part time). A fully volunteer staff (which includes the president) is not realistic given the financial challenges that many of us are experiencing and will continue to experience with an increased cost of living. The need of the NAACP is so great that it behooves the organization to make a great investment in paid positions that will help do the heavy lifting that can be supported by a volunteer base. The Baltimore branch of the NAACP would do well to provide financial compensation (at least part-time wages) for the following positions: President, Office Administrator, Accountant, Director of Development, and Volunteer Coordinator. (Special attention should be given to recruiting Youth/Young Adults for this roles) This is a good core group to start with.Â
My prayer is that Baltimore City – and particularly its African American community – would seize this opportunity to learn, plan, and act to support this time-honored organization ORÂ other organizations/community causes that demand our collective attention.Â
Related posts:
- Clergy Summit To Address Violence in Baltimore City With as many shootings and homicides in one week than...
- Bruce Gordon resigns from NAACP post  Like many, I received this notice this morning from...
- The Local NAACP Branch responds to Acid Attack [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeSWJNnyk3I] This video is of a rally held shortly after...
- FBI calls acid-filled letter to Baltimore NAACP a hate crime BALTIMORE (EXAMINER ARTICLE) – Marvin “Doc” Cheatham Sr., president of...
- Faith In Action Podcast (NAACP Night) Listen to my latest podcast about my participation in the...
I am saddened that Doc is leaving the NAACP. He breathed life into the dead organization. He was right on issues and not afraid to be outspoken and challenge wrogdoing and discrimination. I will miss him. The NAACP and the city are losing a friend and champion. Of course, we must note that he is leaving because those who have benefitted most from his hard work and diligence, failed to give him adequate support and help. Shameful.
I have been humbled by the personal remarks, calls and emails commending me for doing what God called upon me to do. Serving our people is a sure delight for me. I would like to continue, but my killing myself will benefit no one.
I am begging our community to help us help ourselves. I am hoping to recruit no less than 20-30 young adults that are willing to join the NAACP Baltimore City Branch and to be mentored so that they can both help the branch, but also begin to take leadership roles. I am committed to bringing in young adults to lead the NAACP.
Are there any intelligent, articulate and committed young adults willing to help us continue the fight for freedom, justice, equality and quality?
Please help because I really don’t want to leave.
Next Meeting Tuesday, July 24, 2007 – 6:00 P.m. – Union Baptist Churcth – 1219 Druid Hill Avenue – Baltimore City, Maryland.
A July 17th article from The Baltimore Examiner has reported that Doc Cheatham has decided to remain the president of the local branch of the NAACP. Citing a renewed vigor that came as a result of his attending the National Conference of the NAACP in Detroit, Cheatham says he is energized and prepared to take the local branch of the NAACP to the next level.
Much success to you Doc Cheatham!
Now to the rest of us – the next meeting is July 24, 2007 6PM at Union Baptist Church (1219 Druid Hill Ave., Baltimore)
I remember when all the Zeta Phi Beta Sorors were working hard to make sure that Doc Cheatham became Baltimore’s NAACP President. He has a tough job though. When you’re taught to hate yourself in school, it’s kinda hard to join up with a group that promotes love.
God help Baltimore for real…
You are exactly right. We need God and many of God’s servants to pledge their time, talent, and treasure to ensure that we leave the condition of community’s better than how we left them. That’s why I am an active member and officer in the local branch of the NAACP. We need MANY more to come alongside. To anyone reading this, please consider this your personal invitation to become an active member. Get at me if you’re interested.
When will black leaders begin to realize that black Americans consistantly attack not only themselves (making you your own worst enemy – ((BTW..who has killed more blacks..slavery or crack head street thugs in the Ghettos?)) not the whites…and finally.. with this recent racial attack against a white female on a Baltimore bus its high time whites divest in the black community (without our money and efforts you’re screwed) unless black leaders are honest about resolving the problem of black cultural violence.