By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
The recent upheaval within the Columbus Branch of the NAACP has sent shockwaves through the Black business community. The forced removal of President Nana Watson appears to be less about governance and more about personal vendettas, orchestrated by Ohio NAACP State President Tom Roberts. His alignment with Watson’s opponent, Sean Walton, and the dissemination of false allegations to the national office have resulted in a troubling shake-up, executed without any communication with local Columbus members or Watson herself. Some of the allegations are laughably false, including the claim that President Watson didn’t allow the state official to use the local branch’s office. In reality, the local branch does not even have an office.
What makes this coup even more egregious is the deliberate use of local media to publicly smear Watson and her legacy. Instead of handling internal disputes within the organization, Roberts and his allies chose to air grievances through the press, portraying Watson, a Black women leader, in a negative light. This public spectacle has not only damaged reputations but has also weakened the credibility of the Columbus NAACP at a time when strong, unified leadership is needed the most.
Beyond the politics, the real concern is the impact on Black businesses in Columbus. Watson was a relentless advocate for supplier diversity and held corporate Columbus accountable for its spending practices. She was present at Columbus School Board meetings, actively voicing concerns over the lack of Black business participation in district contracts. Under her leadership, the Columbus NAACP ensured that Black-owned businesses were considered for tax-funded construction projects and procurement opportunities.
Now that Roberts and his allies have taken control, who will continue this advocacy? Their campaign platforms and public statements have been notably silent on the issue of supplier diversity. There is no indication that they will hold corporate Columbus to the same standards of accountability that Watson did. If the new leadership fails to prioritize Black business inclusion, the community stands to lose critical opportunities, economic advancement, and a seat at the decision-making table. How will these coup organizers make inroads on the trail paved and forged by President Watson? Will they match her passion, persistence, and presence in boardrooms and at public meetings? Or will they allow hard-fought gains for Black businesses to erode under their leadership?
As the dust settles on this power struggle, one question remains: Will the Columbus NAACP continue to be a force for economic justice, or has the voice of Black business advocacy been silenced?
Ronda Watson Barber is a publisher, advocate, and entrepreneur dedicated to promoting Black businesses and supplier diversity. She is the founder of OhioMBE and works tirelessly to ensure economic opportunities for minority businesses in Ohio.
