By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
The recent replacement of Nana Watson as president of the Columbus branch of the NAACP has sparked significant controversy. As a life member of the NAACP, I find the manner in which this issue has unfolded in the local media deeply troubling. It raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and motives within the organization.
First and foremost, how did national correspondence concerning this matter end up in the hands of the media? Who is leaking this information, and more importantly, why? Members of the Columbus branch should not have to learn about the internal workings of their organization through news outlets. Why hasn’t the state or national office communicated directly with members? This lack of communication only fuels mistrust and speculation.
I am also troubled by the actions of Tom Roberts, the State President, who, on the one hand, claims this is a private matter, yet continues to give interviews about it. Such behavior appears contradictory and unhelpful. Moreover, Mr. Roberts does not come to this situation with clean hands. How can he oversee the Columbus branch when he seems to overlook blatant violations occurring within the Dayton branch? It is also worth questioning whether Mr. Roberts has an issue with strong, opinionated Black women—a pattern that many would find unacceptable in a leader tasked with ensuring equity and justice.
It appears that Tom Roberts picks and chooses which issues he will intervene. Some issues are overlooked while others get the whole weight of the national office. Is this leadership or a personal vendetta?
As a Black business advocate, I supported President Watson’s tireless efforts to ensure that Black tax dollars were invested back into the Black community. Her leadership in pushing for economic inclusion was unparalleled. She faithfully attended Columbus City Schools board meetings, demanding that the state’s largest public school district buy locally and include Black vendors. Where were the voices of her critics during these critical moments?
President Watson’s advocacy extended beyond education. She fought to protect senior citizens from the financial burden imposed by the Columbus City Schools levy. She championed purchasing goals for the county jail construction and negotiated agreements with unions to include diversity and equity measures. Her work consistently aimed to uplift the Black community and create opportunities for all.
Now, with her departure, the question arises: How will her work continue? Will the commitment to supplier diversity and economic inclusion in Columbus persist, or was this change a strategic move to stifle progress? It is telling that her opponents, including Roberts and Sean Walton, have not outlined clear plans for supplier diversity in their public statements or marketing materials.
President Watson seems to have pissed off corporate Columbus. How dare she advocate and demand that Black people get a piece of the purchasing pie or have a seat at the table. The local Democratic Party has an issue with the fact that she solely represents Black people. The nay-sayers and tax abaters want to water down the power and influence of Black people by bringing other groups to the civil rights table. Watson has always been unapologetically Black. Her actions demonstrate that.
I am concerned there was a concerted effort to tarnish her work and legacy. I am concerned that Black men had no issue with trying to disparage the reputation of a Black woman for personal gain. Those same Black men were not in the trenches doing the work.
The NAACP is a private organization with the authority to operate and establish any bylaws it deems appropriate. Reports from across the country suggest that the behavior exhibited in this situation is standard practice within the organization. Apparently, members serve at the pleasure of the state president and national office. The NAACP doesn’t operate as a democratic organization. Is this membership-driven organization seeking a grift? Are they using the civil rights movement as a money grab, maligning and trashing members in local media when they don’t toe the line? It is interesting that an organization that prides itself on fostering an environment of fairness often fails to practice what it preaches.
The NAACP has a responsibility to address these concerns transparently. Members deserve answers. We must ensure that the organization remains focused on its mission of advancing justice, equity, and opportunity—not personal politics or vendettas. The legacy of President Watson’s work should not be erased or forgotten. It is up to us, the members and community stakeholders, to demand accountability and ensure that her vision for a more inclusive Columbus is carried forward.
just my thoughts…rwb
Ronda Watson Barber is the publisher of OhioMBE and a dedicated advocate for Black business and economic inclusion. She is committed to fostering supplier diversity and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.
