By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
As I prepare for our annual celebration of Ohio’s small and minority-owned businesses and their tireless advocates, I find myself needing to address an issue that is of growing concern within the Columbus community. I am taking a break from my hectic schedule to focus on what appears to be an orchestrated coup by “Young Negros” against the established leadership of the Columbus branch of the NAACP.
As a life member of the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, I am compelled to question the motives of this emerging faction. Where have they been during the last decade under Nana Watson’s leadership? Nana Watson has worked tirelessly to ensure inclusion for Black businesses within Columbus’ top organizations. She has fearlessly demanded accountability in contracting opportunities for Black businesses—businesses that contribute to the very tax base of this city. Who wants to silence the efforts of the current administration? Who benefits for the silencing of the NAACP and its contracting inclusion efforts?
Nana Watson continues to fight for Black vendors, most recently challenging the Columbus Airports on their billion-dollar construction projects to ensure inclusion. She got Franklin County to establish purchasing goals for the new jail construction project. She consistently attends Columbus City School board meetings to push for local spending, as opposed to cooperative purchasing systems that often leave our Black-owned businesses in the shadows. She has boldly stood against the tax levy that has wreaked havoc on disadvantaged communities. Where were these Young Negros during these battles? What’s their plan to empower Black businesses and incorporate them into the Central Ohio purchasing landscape?
Let’s be clear about one thing: Nick Bankston, a City Councilmember, cannot be trusted with safeguarding the rights of Black people in Columbus. His track record speaks volumes. He has participated in tax abatements that defund our public schools. He supported allowing non-citizens to compete for city contracts, further diluting opportunities for Black businesses. What has he done for our Black business community? His actions show that despite his proclamations of Blackness, he is far from being a true champion of Black people.
It is evident that these “Young Negros” have been bought and paid for. Whose interests are they serving? It is obvious that they are not here for the Black business community. President Watson’s legacy and work deserve protection, not sabotage by those who haven’t even shown up for the fight over the past decade.
If you are not a member of the local branch of the NAACP, I encourage you to get involved and become a member. Visit www.naacpcolumbus.org and get your membership ASAP so you can vote in the November 20 election. This is our organization, and it requires the active participation of those who believe in fighting for our rights, economic inclusion, and justice for all.
The fight for Black economic inclusion and empowerment continues, and we cannot afford to let opportunists tear down what has been built through years of relentless advocacy. It’s time to question not just who is making noise, but who has truly been in the trenches, fighting for us.
just my thoughts…rwb
