Doc Cheatham resigns as Prez of Baltimore NAACP

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. 

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. 

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 OR other organizations/community causes that demand our collective attention.