Columbus is facing another critical election this week as the Columbus Branch of the NAACP holds its leadership elections. As a proud life member of the NAACP, I plan to cast my vote for President Nana Watson. She has proven time and again that she is a fierce advocate for Black businesses and a tireless champion for equity in Columbus.
President Watson’s leadership has been transformative for the city. As Ohio’s largest Black-owned business newspaper, OhioMBE has seen firsthand her dedication to advancing opportunities for underutilized groups. She holds local organizations accountable for their spending practices, ensuring Black businesses are included in the economic fabric of Columbus. She is a familiar face at Columbus City School Board of Education meetings, diligently reviewing legislation, questioning out-of-district spending, and ensuring that Black businesses have a fair shot at contracts.
Her impact extends beyond education. She has been vigilant about the multi-billion-dollar airport project and works closely with unions to secure opportunities for Black tradespeople. President Watson is doing the work—often without the backing of memberships from the Black business owners she champions. She is disrupting the status quo and shaking the power structures in Columbus, all in the name of progress for our community.
Questions for the Opposition
As voters, we deserve clarity about the intentions and qualifications of the group challenging President Watson and her slate. My most pressing question is simple: Where have you been?
While President Watson has been on the front lines advocating for Black-owned businesses and demanding accountability from Columbus City Schools, where were these challengers? Have they attended school board meetings? Have they shown up at contractor meetings to fight for Black workers and businesses in the midst of Columbus’ historic construction boom?
I’ve heard talk about “change” from the challengers, but where is the plan? The Black community needs action, not rhetoric. What specific strategies do they propose to stimulate economic growth in our neighborhoods? Without a clear plan, it’s hard not to wonder: Is this group’s objective to advance the work of the Watson administration—or to dismantle it?
Let’s be honest: there are forces in this city that resist the inclusion of Black businesses in Columbus City Schools contracts and on union-led projects. President Watson has been a thorn in their side, fighting for equity. Is this slate of candidates simply a means to silence her efforts?
Concerns About Conflicts of Interest
Another troubling aspect of the opposition’s slate is the potential for conflicts of interest. The NAACP has an established mechanism for handling civil rights complaints, ensuring they are addressed impartially and transparently. If Sean Walton, Jr., an attorney, is elected as president of the Columbus NAACP, it is not expected that civil rights violations would automatically be forwarded to his law firm. Such a practice would constitute a clear conflict of interest and could undermine the organization’s commitment to unbiased advocacy.
However, this question remains pertinent: How will complaints against the City of Columbus be handled, given the involvement of Councilmember Nick Bankston? Will housing complaints be directed to Charles Hillman, CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)? These connections raise serious concerns about impartiality and transparency.
This election isn’t just about leadership—it’s about the future of the NAACP and the progress made over the last decade. We cannot afford to hand over the reins to a group with questionable motives and unclear plans.
As I prepare to cast my vote, I encourage my fellow NAACP members to ask the tough questions and think critically about the path forward. Columbus’ Black businesses need a champion, not a dismantler.
just my thoughts…rwb
